Media
I paint with acrylics for
their wonderful diversity. They can be applied with thick opaque
brushstrokes or thinned to a watery consistency for light glazes. I often incorporate various torn papers into my work.
Frequently, I will paint my own papers or use newspapers, musical scores,
decorative and fibrous papers to add texture and interest to my paintings.
Technique
It all starts with small
sketches, sometimes even color sketches so I can see on a smaller scale
what works and what doesn't. I use a lot of papers in my work, so I tend
to work from background to foreground, but beyond that I don't have any
real method. The fun part is the tactile act of tearing paper and getting
my hands on the painting. I enjoy experimenting with different combinations of
materials to achieve the effects I want.
Subject Matter
Animals
Animals are such a joy to paint.
Each has their own inherent grace and beauty. The colors, shapes and
patterns of the animal world are a constant inspiration. I shall never
tire of painting these diverse and majestic creatures.
Floral/Still Life
Shape and color are what intrigue
me about this subject. These paintings don't come from a real life source,
so I can invent any possible flower or setting, though it may be inspired by the real
thing. Jumbled assortments of bottles, bowls and glasses are opportunities
to play with shape, color and texture.
Trees
Trees are very comforting to me. Strong and sheltering with bends and
twists, they are enchanting. As a child, I would use a
black marker to draw a continuous line that looped and swirled
and then color in the resulting shapes that were formed. These imaginary trees are a return to that abstract simplicity. The varying color palettes
of each painting evoke different moods.