I love to paint what
is around me everyday.
From very early in life, I knew that my vision of the world was assembled as a collection of shapes, colors and light. Whether wandering the streets and canyons of my childhood neighborhood, running on the beach or swimming in the ocean, I saw moments that stood still. Light on the eucalyptus leaves outside of a window. Water that sparkled blue and gold as it ran over my toes.
My painting reflects a general optimism and is inspired by the work of twentieth century Figurative Expressionists like Richard Diebenkorn and Fairfield Porter, who were uniquely able to capture a scene in such a complete way. By marrying composition and color, and then layering on the light of that place – they brought a moment to life. When I am painting, I make an effort to do that, as well, although it is an elusive pursuit at times. Looking for the places or moments that the light affects, either literally or figuratively, and build the colors and forms around them. When it comes together well, the result is engaging and authentic – and brings me back to the place or moment that is represented. That feeling of completion is success, in and of itself.
Capturing everyday moments.
Paint & Place
Everyday in my process, I look for ways to capture the light and color that is unique to the west coast, and California in particular. Hazy mornings, clear blue skies, the ever-changing edges between the ocean and the shore, violet mountain sides, pink clouds as the last sunlight leaves the sky. Observing these moments brings me such joy, and the challenge to capture the feelings they bring keeps me engaged in this practice.
