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.
