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When I first started painting
watercolors in 1991 with a
background of 25 years as
a graphic designer, my aim
was simple: create a realistic
rendering that brought a feeling
of happiness to the viewer.
But the more I explored and
experienced, the more I realized
that light and the sense of
form it creates were what
was important. I now create
illusions of shapes which
inspire the viewer to become
involved in the passion of
the painting. My florals seem
to project a sense of intimacy
- an enhanced realism; I play
bright colors against dark
for impact. Design and composition
are extremely important as
is the painting's emotional
quality. Over the years my
eye for detail has developed
a keen sense of seeing what
is beyond the surface and
into the very soul of my subject
matter. My watercolors are
looser, more textured, and
include a rich combination
of color complements and dramatic
values.
I'm a graduate of Kutztown State University, Pennsylvania, with a BS degree in Biology, minor in Fine Arts, and lots of on the job experience as a commercial graphic designer, illustrator, publisher, and organic gardener. My work has been featured in numerous publications, and can be found in many private collections and corporate product lines. I'm a member of Watercolor Artists of Sonoma County (WASCO) and participate in several juried exhibitions every year. My numerous awards include three Best of Shows and a People's Choice Award.
I am excited by flowers, nature, the land, and their promise of a slower passage of time, of quiet observation and pleasure, and of their "be present" message. My admiration of the natural extends from the personal to the political, as well as to the artistic: I live my dreams, I grow my flowers, I paint them, and I nurture them as a way of life.
My work is becoming more abstract, although many paintings still retain representational elements. I am also interested in depicting scenes that depict humans' adaptation to their environment, or creating that environment we have forgotten about. Remembering our roots. Old cars and tractors discarded in empty barren fields become the metaphors for the emptiness we experience in our lives. Yet their beauty shines through as nature reclaims our discards. Then, there are self-portraits which place myself and all that is into the mix. It's absolutely astonishing what one can discover when one looks for answers within the self. Why is it so hard for each and every individual to do the same?
Location:
My first job out of High School was with a motion picture theatre group who hired me as an assistant director of advertising as well as theatre manager among a 45 theatre chain. Thus, started my career in graphic design as a promotional fanatic. I moved west four years after graduating from college. My curriculum of study would not permit me to select studio art courses, so I crammed in every art lecture course available including history of modern art and graphic art design as evening classes. I landed a job as a designer for floor coverings immediately upon graduating and thus continued my art career in a more corporate sense. Patterns played a big role in my artistic development. Walk on my art and see if I care! Only kidding....... I'm a Gemini with Virgo rising if you get my drift. I'm detailed and thus my dilemma. Granted, talent plays a big part in the Universal timing of things, and I'm very happy with what I have been granted. Did I mention I have three planets in Leo? Just my luck!
Lately, I've been working on myself. Not a bad thing if one considers the extent some people go to promote themselves or talk to therapists. Mine is more of a spiritual discovery and placement in the whole of things. My dreams become reality on a personnal level and I get to express them in paintings. Visit my website.... oh, you are here already..... lucky you. Welcome to my world. Comments invited.
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