Painting is a conversation. I may have an idea of what I want to say but there is a process of give and take between myself and the marks on the canvas… there are always unexpected turns.

My textural, painterly works examine ever-changing relationships in life. I work on a body of five or more paintings at a time. Working on these paintings together I begin with quick layers of acrylic paint, allowing me to build up texture.  These first layers always show through somewhere in the finished work. They are where the conversation begins.

Next, I draw with charcoal, oil pastel, or pastel, these marks will not be the final drawing, there are many times during the work to draw again. Drawing is coming to shape conclusions. My favorite part is oil paint. The rich creamy texture and luminous color begin to tell the real story. The canvas and I understand each other and are better for the conversation we have had.

Artist  Statement