I am a painter filled with gratitude for the magnificent potency of the natural world.
Sometimes I wake up with the awareness that ‘these ARE the good old days.’ I see the natural world flourishing. There is fresh water, access to trees and mountains, fields, marshes, riverbeds, and shorelines. Impressive rock formations create amazing shapes and shadows. Clusters of trees witness the changing temperatures under their lush canopies and wave with the wind. This fills me with awe.

Zones of suchness- The more you spend time observing nature, the more you feel inseparable from the natural world with a sense of being in the right place. I spend time seeing nature and looking for spots to return to in different seasons. Watching light move across a view illuminates what I call a ‘zone of suchness’ in the forest canopy, in rock features, and the outrageous glimmer patterns on moving water. Just wait for it. An awe ensues and you feel reenergized, problems dissipate, and you feel whole.

Art process- I capture the essence of ‘zones of suchness’ with a camera and with sketches to bring back to the studio to paint. The references must be strong compositions with textures, intriguing shapes, and light patterns to hold my attention. I use the references in setting up a new painting and then dispense with the references to let the painting fully emerge. This ‘point of departure’ is integral to my work and creates a readiness for additional inspiration and welcomed surprises. The sheer joy of moving paint across paper or a stretched canvass keeps the creation process stimulating and usually comes through in the finished painting.

Impact on the viewer- I hope to inspire viewers with awe for the natural world, to honor the subtle emotions that have yet to be named and welcome them into a special ‘zone of suchness’ a visual space for their imagination to roam alongside my creation.