I am inspired by my travels—around the corner, through the United States and into Europe.

I am drawn to patterns, colors and textures in the land, sky and water. The same elements of nature are found everywhere we go—but constantly changed into unique landlines and patterns that mark each place as “mine” and “home,” or “I want to remember this,” or “I want to go there!”

My process is to travel as far and long as I can when I am out searching for my next painting, or on a research trip. I work with my camera to photograph extensively—zooming in and out, sketching and taking color notes (time of day, atmospheric elements, temperature).

In my studio, I study the photographic results and make my decisions based on the emotional response I felt to the place. I do a value sketch planning the composition and format and a watercolor study planning the color palette. Finally, I am ready to do my painting on canvas.

Even though my style is realistic, I work to create an original painting that is far more powerful than my photographic references. Serendipity and creative freedom happens with each brush stroke.

Our earth is remarkably beautiful. I fervently hope my paintings don’t become an historical record of what was and is no longer—but this is another reason why I paint landscapes.