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My Background
I have loved creating works of art for as long as I can remember. The hours spent as a child using my Spirograph, Etch-a-Sketch and Disney Light-Up Drawing Desk were probably my first ventures into the world of art. As I grew, I left them behind, but discovered more and more ways to create art. This journey of discovery will live on as I continue to find different materials and techniques to try.
I am primarily a self-taught artist, fortunate to have learned much by trial and error, helped by some classes and workshops along the way.
I feel that I have found a niche in the world of trompe-l'oeil ("fools the eye") painting yet still enjoy subject matter that is more traditional.
My Medium
I use different mediums, but work primarily in oil. I love the wide expanse of colors, the ease of mixing and blending and the slow drying time oil paints allow. I find that I can alter my painting if needed, paint in great detail and achieve the story I wish to convey best in oil paint.
That said, there is much to be gained by switching gears and working in a different medium depending on the goal for a specific piece. I enjoy experimenting with colored pencil and graphite and recently began to use charcoal. I have quickly developed a great fondness for charcoal and have particularly been enjoying using this medium to create portraits of pets.
My Inspiration
My inspiration comes from many things ; an object, a person, a place, a memory, an emotion and, sometimes, other artists. Some of my artwork comes together like a puzzle, with different pieces being brought in until an idea is complete. Those works take time to think about and compose while other ideas come without warning and appear as a complete picture to me. I love the "aha!" feeling that comes when everything falls into place.
In my trompe- l'oeil work, I try to tell a little story, often infused with humor and I enjoy seeing people "get" the joke.
What inspires me to continue to make art is a love of creating something that other people can enjoy, the joyful process of that creation and knowing that the journey does not end as there are always new ideas and new discoveries.