Artist Statement:
I live and paint plein air throughout the mid-Altantic region, as well as in my studio in Alexandria Virginia. I spend a lot of time exploring the outdoors where I developed a passion for the landscape throughout all seasons -- which continues to be a source of inspiration for my work. I work primarily in oils or oils and cold wax to portray my subjects. In my plein air painting, I’m motivated to capture the essence and spirit of the location I’m painting, as well as the mood, the atmosphere, and environmental elements of the landscape. I chose a particular style of painting depending on the calling of the subject and the mood I want to evoke. For example, at times I will integrate impressionist techniques into the painting, at other times adopting a more tonalist style, and still other styles and techniques in other cases. My primary focus is landscape painting, including plein air and studio.
Many of my paintings are motivated by my love of the outdoors and nature in all its forms– the rolling mountains, fields and rivers of Virginia and Maryland. I’m also inspired by the green mountains and valleys of Vermont, the white mountains and lake districts of New Hampshire, the oceans and bays of Maine. When I lived in California, I observed other types of landscapes–from the cityscapes of Los Angeles to the High Sierra, as well as the deserts, beaches, and canyons. My paintings of the western US invite the viewer to experience the ruggedness and majesty of the west coast, its resilience, and its enduring beauty. The vibrancy of many of these places continue to inspire and influence my work.
I continue to take classes and workshops, and study under several different leading instructors and artists in the mid-Atlantic area. My work has been juried into several regional exhibits, as well as accepted into some national organizations. I have also been juried into the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association in California.
