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My interest in paint and color began while quite young.
Throughout my life that quiet obsession has emerged through
interior design, antique homes and gardening. At one point I had
not painted in 25 years and while living in Provincetown in the
winter of 2002 I picked up pastels. But, pastels served as only the
gateway to again paint in oil. Approaching a blank white canvas
after 25 years was more than intimidating. While looking for the
courage to tackle that canvas, I thought of the work of
Provincetown artist, Robert Cardinal. I have admired Robert’s
work for decades. I knew Robert did not paint on a white canvas.
I started by laying a ground of black. What keeps me perusing
this formula is I find a bit of magic occurs when color hits that
black ground, and I drag a brush across that dark expanse,
depth, shadow, tone, and atmosphere are revealed.
My work has been referred to as impressionistic, minimalist,
graphic, serene. I have been asked if I would call myself a
colorist. I will gladly take all of those as my own to describe my
work. The action of painting in oil is as much the pleasure and
journey as is my subject matter itself. Much of my work is done
alla prima, or wet-into-wet. Once dry, I then incorporate glazing,
dry brush, scumbling to enhance the first layer. Many of my
pieces incorporate perhaps two or three “versions” of the work
before I arrive at the final piece. Working in oil is a sensuous experience. Painting wide open spaces, dancing and dramatic clouds, great expanses of sea connects me to the vastness of the planet we inhabit. The colors I see before me inspire my palette, as well as granting me permission to push the boundaries of color, as I have found anything is possible in the world of color in nature. I traveled extensively in the Southwest for 30 years, finally settling in Santa Fe, NM. My paintings are my interpretation of that greatness. Painting brings me to a place of joy, accomplishment, peace and gratitude. |