Lady on a Leaf Painting

"The subjects I paint are referenced from my experiences by closely observing my surroundings and capturing the beauty, gestures, texture of the familiar as a new reality. I work in layers of oil paint from thin to thick creating color depth and realistic compositions which become both a dimensional visual presence and a contemplative voice." The first time I fell in love with drawing, was during family trips. My mother bought me a sketchbook and pencils, so I rendered vacation scenes of quaint lodges and landscapes. I continued to paint and draw, including portraits of my friends and received a scholarship to a liberal arts college. After completing the classical arts program, which included advanced drawing and painting the figure from life, I was awarded an independent study during my senior year in advanced techniques with the head of the art department. For my final project, I made a five-foot square mixed media portrait that was published in the curriculum catalog and hung at the reception area in the Fine Arts building. After graduating, I worked in Chicago as an illustrator and graphic designer. In a twist of fate, my career took a curve, and for many years I enjoyed a successful path in corporate marketing and sales management. Upon moving from the midwest to living with the majestic landscape of California, I returned full-time to my passion for creating realistic pictorials. Current creations are carefully composed scenes built-up through layers of detailing and subtle gradations of colors to create dynamic realities. The imagery I depict is inspired by the visual diversity that surrounds me and celebrates a universal truth, my truth, that the constant in life is change. My work is collected throughout the US and abroad. “My compositions capture beauty, a gesture, a mood in time. From picturesque landscape scenes, contemplative portraits, and staged still-life, I work in layers of oil paint from thin to thick using refined brushwork to create striking realities on canvas”.