Artist Statement
A personal goal is to impact all with the beauty of life in its expressive moods while portraying the subtle nuances of every day life.
Preference for soft pastels is derived from a love of the Impressionistic Era and from a satisfaction of creating the painting, i.e., sculpting with the sticks of pastels. I manipulate
the visual effects by varying the pressure of application and rotating the stick with usage
of the broad side, tip or blunt end for varied sizes of strokes. Individuals will experience
a sense of touch by viewing the sensation of movement, created by the mass of individual-
ized, layered strokes.
My manner of execution is untraditional. Application of contrasting colors of lights and dark pastels are applied in alternating layers, with limited mid-tones added in the mid and
latter stages of the painting. I have discovered the underlying layers emanates a reflective
quality, giving added depth and greatly enhances the finished state. The excessive layering
also creates the illusion and lushness of oils. Minimalist settings are utilized, with cropped compositions, which invokes the intimacy and a sense of drama.
Many great artists have influenced my work, with a special reverence to Edgar Degas,
Manny Farber, Kiki Smith and John Singer Sargent. Personal impressions from each
oeuvre have helped shape my personal thoughts and life.
To summarize, it has become apparent from observation and time that life has become
too complex. The “white and black” of an issue becomes the true essence of life when all
else is stripped away. Thus the beauty of a simple state of being is exhilarating, which I
strive for above all.