To me, being an artist means having the need to create. When I work,
I am so absorbed by the process and my vision of what I am painting that the rest of the World does not exist for me during
that time. When away from my work, I am always collecting bits of visual and technical information, which makes
me even more anxious to get back to my studio.
The greatest reward, for me, is when I see the effect my work has on someone else. As an artist,
I feel it is my responsibility to make art that has a positive transforming effect on the viewer. As artists, I believe
it is our gift to create and share our creations with others. Art can be a valuable healing experience for both the
creator and the observer.
I
paint in numerous mediums, and believe that to be fluent in each helps keep me fresh and enthusiastic, allowing more creative
freedom. My paintings start first with an idea, then evolve into compositions where color plays a primary part, which
might be as simple as
sepia tones, or filled with bright reds, my favorite
color. To me, art is a combination of my personal feelings, the subject matter that inspires me, and my materials and
techniques. As a figurative artist, I aim to portray the beauty, sensitivity and sensuality of women. The female
form, with all of its soft curves and lines, is quite pleasing to anyone's eye. Yet so much emotion and mood can
be expressed simply by the positioning of the subject's body. As a woman, I hope to capture our powerful and oftentimes
complex emotions. The moods they create are the foundation of my work.
Although I might use a paint knife or bold brushstrokes in a background, thin layers of glazes
are applied to the subject until the desired values are achieved. Through the manipulation of light and shadow,
I am able to convey a sense of touch as well as sight. The contrast can be quite exciting, often causing the viewer
to reach out and touch "skin".
Although I have been a full-time artist for only a few years, I cannot imagine a more interesting
or joyful way to earn a living. Making art fulfills a childhood ambition that was put on hold for way too many years.
My goal is to share the beauty of Nature with others, whether it be in the form of a beautiful woman or simply a dew drop
on the side of a rose petal.
