California Icons Print - Limited Edition of 12

I am enthralled by the natural world and love to explore its eternally shifting hues and habitats, ecology and essence. Art is the best way I know to document the beauty and intricacy of nature and to ignite that same passion in others. My goal is for viewers of my artwork to do a double-take and be inspired to look at their universe with new eyes. In a world where photographic images are so universal, I believe that an artist’s rendition sends a message to the viewer that the subject deserves a closer look and greater attention than a “snapshot.” An artist, therefore, can be both a journalist and a visionary. To that end, my work is realistic and representational but often includes abstract or philosophical components. While I sometimes use my own photographs as references, I much prefer to work from life and most of my work is completed outdoors through patient hours of watching. One of the most important tools in my artistic repertoire is a pair of binoculars! When working in the field, I generally draw with pencils and paint with watercolors, sometimes adding white gouache when working on tinted paper. The subject and its story, however, dictate the medium I use in any given work much more than my own preference. The graphic quality and crisp lines of lino-cuts are well suited to subjects with strong value contrasts, such as snow, water, and bright sunlight, and the lively darkness of an animal’s eyes. I also enjoy the challenge of creating multi-color reduction prints to capture brilliant colors and more subtle variations. Watercolor is my favorite painting medium for its spontaneity, portability, and aura of freshness and immediacy, but it’s possible to achieve a greater depth and luminosity of color with oils than any other medium. As a dedicated naturalist and an inquisitive artist, I attempt to approach my subjects with new eyes every time I draw or paint. To me, art and science are inseparable, as both rely on the use of keen observation to bypass preconceptions about a subject and understand its true nature. Each discipline informs and enriches the other. All of my artwork is about celebration and an eternal quest for understanding.