“When it is my time to leave this world, I wish to do so knowing that I have left paintings
that inspire others to appreciate the true wonder and beauty of the natural world.”
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I have been on a journey with my art since I can remember. As a youngster, exploring the world in my backyard was a daily adventure, always finding a new treasure to look over and study. I have never lost the intrigue of daily exploration and discovery. I look for the special, transitory, and magical moments in nature that appear with the right lighting, color, and atmospheric conditions. Magnificence can be found in a large, dramatic landscape or a smaller and less majestic scene, such as a moss-covered rock.
I began with an interest in animation, drawing cartoons, and developing my own characters. I then studied surrealism with great interest. After college, I was interested in children`s book illustration and discovered my passion for wildlife art in the mid 1980`s. I have been creating wildlife art ever since. |
| I draw my inspiration from observing nature, always on the lookout for “magical moments”. Usually, seeing a particular setting is what initially inspires me. I then consider which bird or mammal will go well with that scene. I like to capture particularity, avoid stylizing, and expose the uniqueness that everything in nature possesses. I edit and manipulate the composition until I am satisfied, use abstract shapes, and create a painting that has a sense of depth. I work from background to foreground – general to specific, striving to create something that is captivating and pleasing to look at.
I usually paint in my studio during the day, every day of the week. There are times when my painting is not flowing right, and I get uncomfortable and feel uncertain. Mostly, I feel the magic of watching my work develop into something that looks like the real world. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to do something I have such a passion and love for. When it is my time to leave this world, I wish to do so knowing that I have left paintings that inspire others to appreciate the true wonder and beauty of the natural world. |
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