When You Smile Painting

My Process and What Inspires Me I am an abstract painter, drawn to creating feelings in my work rather than representations of things that are already recognizable. At the most basic level, I love exploring the beautiful ways that geometric shapes can contrast with loose, graceful lines and interesting marks. The subtle differences I create in my works are achieved by building up multiple layers of acrylic paint on birch wood panels, then sanding and scratching back into the work. I do this intentionally to reveal what I call ‘the history’ of the painting and to add richness and depth to the color and design. I’m constantly responding to what’s happening as I paint, considering where to bring different colors, line and shapes into focus. Some of my choices are intended to create loud contrasts and differences that I want viewers to see from a distance, others are about drawing the viewer’s eye to more intimate or quiet details that are discovered when my work is viewed up close. Because the idea of “feeling” my work is important to me, my palette is often inspired by the music I’m playing. And although it isn’t necessarily intentional, I know for sure that my surroundings influence what happens on my boards. I grew up playing in the foothills of the Canada’s Rocky Mountains, and my childhood taught me to look, to pay attention, to be present. Now I live in Newport Beach. My inspiration might come from the way the light hits the sand during sunrise to signs of paint peeling from a building. All of that said, at the core of my work is the absolute pure joy I feel when I’m painting – I hope that’s really what you see and feel when you look at my paintings. I am grateful for every minute I get to spend in my studio.