PERSONAL STATEMENT

My inspiration comes from botanical, nature science subjects, landscapes and spiritual cultures. I work primarily in watercolor and gouache but also in other media including watercolor pencil, acrylic, oils, pastel and ink. The substrate may be paper, silk, canvas or gessoed art board. When I start a painting it may require research, photography and a period of meditation.  For the detailed botanical paintings rough pencil sketches follow then precise pencil studies with the design concept and color roughs worked out on the computer. I may do a color rough using the correct choice of media. When working in sumi-e or Asian brush technique the work is more spontaneous where the final art is a yoga exercise as the brush and paint flow with my breath and motion. French and Chinese Kolinsky red sable brushes are my favorite for a multitude of painting techniques. The process of painting is like watching a plant grow and blossom over time. I pay attention to the small details and always keep my eye on the center of my subject. In addition to representational art I express my inner vision with abstract images or Asian painting techniques. I love traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. The process of grinding ink sticks on a stone is part of meditative process. I see and hear the drops of water mingle with ink becoming an empowering force. I meditate while painting praying for a successful image. I hope the viewers find the joy and peace I get from the process of creation. The reason why I paint is similar to the bee or butterfly attracted to a flower. It is important to me that many people enjoy my art in a form of reproduction as well as the original painting. Each season I interpret nature as a guide to renewal.