"Mountain Music" Painting

I paint moments. The subjects of my paintings may vary, but the moments remain stirring within each one. I paint storms because the air is thick with tension, a certain quietness exists and is accompanied by the thrilling promise that something big is about to happen. The same applies to images of Las Vegas or New York - a promise exists - an energy found within the contrast of bright lights inside a dark background. I often paint portraits. My subjects, whether animal or human, are either looking away from the viewer, lost in their own moment, whether it's peaceful, thoughtful, or painful; or they're gazing directly into the viewer's eyes. Direct eye contact captures a powerful moment of familiarity and connection that exists only for a split second even if the person is a stranger or animal. The eyes are windows to the soul. I strive to capture these moments of the soul using a variety of methods and subject matter.

I paint on canvas using oils, as well as acrylics. I love the fluidity of oils but treasure the drying speed of acrylic paint. Generally I begin a painting in acrylics. I take it as far as I can go before the need for oil paint takes over. Oils bring the entire painting to life.

I am influenced by many different artistic styles and artists. I love realism, surrealism, impressionism, and expressionism. Artists who inspire me include Van Gogh, Georgia O'Keefe, Salvador Dali, Edouard Manet, Eugene Boudin, Gustave Courbet, and Lucian Freud.