Seated figure II Painting

I am an artist. Painting is a joy to me. I paint what I love, and I love what I paint. Painting takes me to a place where I can reach into a deeper part of myself and bring forth my unique expression of what I find beautiful. The sources of my inspiration come from every direction—from experience, from myth and metaphor, from the imagination, from the things that move me and intrigue me. My creativity is ignited by a wise and expressive face, by a serendipitous movement, by a surprising collision of color, form, and light. These precious slices of beauty come together in my mind’s eye, where they are constructed into an assemblage that I find pleasing. Before I set down a brush stroke, I allow the imminent creation to gestate for a while. I give the painting time to come into being within me. Its essence is established before I even begin. When I approach the canvas, it is with purpose and clarity, but also with flexibility and openness, so that the painting achieves its fullness in a way that befits its essence. Every painting must find its own way, its own distinct expression. At times, a painting waits for my guidance, and at times, it coaxes me into taking an unexpected path. I know a piece is complete when it brings a smile to my face, and I can step back and say, “This is good. This is true. This is beautiful. And, I love it.”