Art has always been an important part of my life. When looking back on the drawings and art projects that I brought home from elementary school, I can see that I always felt the need to express myself with art. It has taken many forms through out the years, from painting classes, to designing decorative painted items that I sold, to painting murals, and now my oil painting. I paint exclusively in oil, savoring the rich buttery feel of the paint on my brush, the texture of the canvas, even the smell of the paint. Right now I focus primarily on still lifes, but occasionally will paint a landscape or animal when the mood strikes.
I am drawn to the still life by the way the light falls on ordinary objects, illuminating them to draw the viewer into the painting. I have been influenced by many of the modern artists but primarily by David Leffel, a master of chiaroscuro, shadow and light. I am in awe of his mastery of the light and shadow and continue to strive to develop that mastery in my own work.
My still life paintings begin long before I even enter my studio. Through years of combing antique shops and flea markets, I have collected many interesting pieces that find their way into my paintings. I might have a beautiful bouquet of flowers or a basket of fruits or vegetables that just begs for me to paint them. I carefully arrange and often rearrange these with items from my collections of pottery, vases, brass and copper items, until I find the perfect set up. I frequently have a color concept or a theme that I am trying to express, and it often takes hours to get it right. I arrange the light so it falls on the objects with interesting shadows, lost and found edges. Then the painting begins, trying to capture the subtle nuances of light and color in the still life. I finally enjoy choosing the frame that completes the still life painting.
Memberships:
- Oil Painters of America
- Pittsburgh Society of Artists
- South Hills Art League
- Upper St. Clair League for the Arts
- McMurray Art League
Education:
- West Virginia University
- Studied with Robert Daley and Elizabeth Pruitt
- Workshops with David Leffel, Robert Johnson, James Sulkowski, Phil Salvato, Jeff Legg