PRACTICE

I paint the energy and complexity of landscape. Working directly outdoors connects me to a place and its atmosphere. In the studio, I build upon my plein air paintings to push ideas and inspirations, free from changing conditions of the open air.

Whether outdoors or in the studio, all my paintings deliver vibrant color, form, and energized movement.

SUBJECTS

The terrain of western New York and the Finger Lakes region draws me in. I live on the south shore of Lake Ontario and witness the dramatic personalities of the water and skies every day of the year. This is mostly exciting but it can also be creatively overwhelming. And with my van as a mobile studio, I’m always ready to stop and paint if I see a compelling scene.

MEDIA

I work in oil, drawing media, and encaustic wax. Oils have been my go-to medium since receiving my first set of paints as a child — I love their look, feel and smell. I turn to drawing with graphite when I get to know a new subject. Encaustic wax is appealing because it engages my heart and head as it calls for managing art and science. Ideas often come from the wax itself through direct painting, layering, building, carving and combining with other materials. Heat and flame bring both control and surprise to every painting. I push the properties of the wax and engage in the new conversation that comes with each piece. And because of my desire to paint directly outdoors, I’ve come up with a portable camp-stove work station so I can work with wax outdoors without electricity.