“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way—things I had no words for.” Georgia O’Keeffe
“The freer the soul, the more abstract painting becomes.” Marc Chagall
I consider myself an intuitive painter who has always been intrigued by the work of abstract artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Marc Chagall. Abstract art gives me the freedom to explore, to break rules, to experiment with acrylic paint and mixed media. My paintings often begin not with specific subject matter but with color. On canvas or board, paint is applied layer upon layer, until the painting itself tells me where it is going. It’s not uncommon for the work and me to do battle before we reach our final destination!
Most paintings reflect my fascination with textures, often created with decorative papers and self-made collage pieces as well as a variety of mark making tools. The works that emerge are sometimes totally amorphous, leaving interpretation to the viewer. But sometimes, as in my recent “Serene Sea” series, I use subtle detail to create a mood or spark a memory. All paintings are finished with clear acrylic gloss and presented in wooden floater frames that provide visual impact. Once the work is complete, I enjoy talking to viewers about what they see. Sometimes about what they hear.