Artist Statement
I delight in disorder. Think a little messy is healthy. Find unmanicured far more interesting. Delight in the uncommon.
I’m a risk-taker when handling a paintbrush. Without one, I’m a scaredy cat. There, I’ve said it. What is my painting approach about? Colors--how they play together? Textures--how they weave in and out? Forms--how they balance or not? Locations--near or far? Actually, its all of the above with each painting resolving itself in a different way each time.
I depend on my instincts to guide my painting process. I feel a sense of confidence at the beginning of each piece that color, form, shape, texture and line will come together successfully. But it may take a few restarts. Because my natural instinct is to experiment and try new techniques, I struggle constantly to stay with a theme or approach. New colors, panel size, surface prep, subject matter. I can't imagine repeating myself to the point where a painting becomes automatic. I need the challenge of new. To work in a manner that discovers. One that recalls past efforts while focusing on improving the present. At the same time I understand the value of working in a series--to follow a thread of a concept--to develop a deeper understanding of both subject matter and technique. To find and repeat key aspects that makes the work memorable--that make it impossible to ignore. Some things are easier said than done.
I depend on my instincts to guide my painting process. I feel a sense of confidence at the beginning of each piece that color, form, shape, texture and line will come together successfully. But it may take a few restarts. Because my natural instinct is to experiment and try new techniques, I struggle constantly to stay with a theme or approach. New colors, panel size, surface prep, subject matter. I can't imagine repeating myself to the point where a painting becomes automatic. I need the challenge of new. To work in a manner that discovers. One that recalls past efforts while focusing on improving the present. At the same time I understand the value of working in a series--to follow a thread of a concept--to develop a deeper understanding of both subject matter and technique. To find and repeat key aspects that makes the work memorable--that make it impossible to ignore. Some things are easier said than done.
Sketching is my treasure hunt. I work in sketchbooks to discover shining possibilities before putting paint to canvas. I enjoy the small scale in both line or line with watercolor. Each sketch is about capturing a piece of a moment--in words and/or lines--that will help me recall the essence of an inspiration. It could be very few lines that become the foundation of a painting.
After developing the overall design of a painting through loose line sketches, or quick color studies, I set aside a period of time to simply think about how engaged I am with the subject matter. If these preliminary efforts continue to hold or add to my interest, I'll make decisions on the final size of the work, what media and medium will suit the concept, and what style of paint application will best bring the idea to life. If my interest wanes, it’s on to the next idea.
Contrasts of complimentary colors entertain my imagination as though teasing me into playing out the combination in paint. I usually take the bait. I love looking at color coming out of tubes, skeins of dyed wool, spools of threads, stacks of fiesta ware, rows of flowers at garden centers, piles of GAP sweaters, displays of Italian gelato, trays of fruit tarts, even the subtleties of empty wine bottles. Miscellaneous inspirations waiting for their day in the sun. After developing the overall design of a painting through loose line sketches, or quick color studies, I set aside a period of time to simply think about how engaged I am with the subject matter. If these preliminary efforts continue to hold or add to my interest, I'll make decisions on the final size of the work, what media and medium will suit the concept, and what style of paint application will best bring the idea to life. If my interest wanes, it’s on to the next idea.
Life is good.
