"Great Plains" Painting

I paint intuitively and experimentally. In my art practice, focusing on the process is an essential component of developing meaningful work.  My process involves spontaneous intuitive mark-making often with unorthodox tools along with carefully thought out decisions. My work is about colour, texture and layers. I love exploring with several different mediums; acrylic, encaustic, and oil paint with wax. The unique depth and optical texture of each piece is achieved by building up many layers and may include collage, stamping, photo transfer to name a few.  I do not start with a preconceived idea, sketch or photograph but often set some parameters for my exploration. I may choose to explore line, soft edges with hard edges or colour relationships. The piece develops like a conversation, with every action there is something new to respond to. To paint in this manner requires a great deal of trust in the intuitive process and staying present, to not be concerned about the results but to enjoy the process. I love the challenge of painting without a road map, just being present for the journey and not worrying about the final destination. After all it is just paint and a canvas!