Artist Statement

A number of years ago, on an extended tour of Europe, I visited many of the great art cities and museums from London and Amsterdam to Florence and reveled in the opportunity to study, first hand sometimes to the brushstroke, the work of the masters. This tremendous experience was personally inspiring and invaluable to my artistic development.

I get ideas for my art from observing design and color in nature as well as the human form. Of the many artists whom I derive inspiration from, past and present, three in particular stands out: John Singer Sargent, Andrew Wyeth and Richard Schmid for their styles subject matter and vision. In the mid 90’s I became intensely interested in studying the figure and the portrait through charcoals and pastels. I am interested in the likeness and expressive character of my subjects, which requires a careful eye for drawing, gesture and design. The fine art portrait of a family member is very special and becomes an heirloom to be enjoyed for generations.

I often work from photo references which can result in fairly tight and controlled renderings, but also thoroughly enjoy the spontaneity and special challenges of being at the easel working from life with a model, a still life or sitting by a river doing plein aire drawing or painting. Art for me is a journey of boundless learning, love and excitement; I hope this vision is transferred to canvas or sheet to move the viewer. I plan to study, to develop my art and be a practitioner for a long time to come.

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