My work explores the theme of individuals within nature. I seek to express the experience of intimate connection with the environment, and to capture the distinct characteristics of person and place. I enjoy including enough detail and texture to represent the unique forms of my subjects, while playing with dramatic values and vibrant colors to enhance the perception of the moment. I paint with oils and pastels on panel or canvas that are often custom sizes; some compositions stretch to encompass a large portion of trees and sky, while others compress into a smaller tableau.
To collect source material for paintings, I invite family and friends to venture with me on photo shoots into outdoor settings such as state parks, beaches, botanical gardens, and woodland areas. After selecting multiple photos to use as reference, I adjust them in Photoshop until I feel the composition visually communicates the experience I remember. After blocking in large shapes of color over a line drawing, I slowly build up layers of paint or pastel. The struggle of process and time often adds deviations from my original intention, yet I do not consider the painting finished until I feel the thrill of conviction that the canvas represents more truth than my photographs reveal.
I focus on scenes of immersion in nature to invite introspection and discovery, and reveal resulting emotions of peace and joy. Love for the environment is developed through such experiences, which leads to understanding the need to protect and preserve the land. I hope that my work expresses my own appreciation of time spent on this earth, and encourages a personal connection and gratitude for the gifts so freely offered in the natural world.
