My work explores the interconnectedness of land, sea, and sky.  My subjects are found in nature--fields and trees, skies and seas, and the ever changing conditions of season and weather which affect them.   I am not so much interested in documenting the details of place; rather I strive to be faithful to light and air, the “lens” of atmosphere through which I experience place.

 

I am a plein air painter; I work on site.  My chosen medium, chalk pastels, allows for the spontaneous application of color—a requisite given the ephemeral nature of my subjects. Often a particular color in the landscape inspires a painting.  I was attracted by the blue of standing water in a winter field.  Not a likely subject, but in my view, worthy of interest.  Plein air painting is a process of observation and discovery.   I see color variations and changes almost from day to day.  I have learned the growth habit and unique forms of trees and shrubs, a complement to my interest in gardening.

 

I reside in rural southwest Arkansas which affords access to painting sites in the surrounding counties and the Ouachita National Forest.   I visit a site numerous times in the execution of a painting.  When I complete a painting in the studio the challenge is to retain the first impression, the "moment", that inspired the painting. 

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My work includes paintings from the Gulf Coast, as well as the coasts of Maine and northern Spain.  The interface of sea and sky offer particular fascination.  

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I take great pleasure in nature.  Painting allows me to experience, not merely observe, a place.  I hope the viewer will share that experience.