Striped Hyena - Endangered Species of Africa Painting

I started creating at a young age and pursued art in college. I found I was attracted to creating texture and applied this in painting, collage, and ceramics. I also enjoyed using complimentary bright colors. Making art feels instinctual and gives me fulfillment. I look for an image that can be re-created into a captivating painting, drawing, or collage. My interpretation looks dreamlike and is more thought-provoking. I want the viewer and myself to wonder about the moment, time, circumstances and setting. I treasure nature and animals, which have been incorporated into most of my pieces. I am always challenging myself by experimenting with new methods and styles. In the past few years my work has evolved, using the concepts and techniques I enjoy most in collages and animal portraits. Each piece is a complex puzzle. I feel overcome and think can I do this? Yes! I enjoy the challenge of putting the pieces together to make a final image that is unique, whole, and satisfying to the viewer’s eye. I start with a sketch, followed by paint. The feeling of paint sliding across the surface is calming. I enrich the texture, shadows, and sunlight. Complementary colors are used as an enhancer and many thin layers of paint are used for texture and a dreamy feel. When I have mastered the puzzle, I am happy and feel satisfied.