Artist’s Statement

My interest in painting has a double focus. The first focus is concerned with formal aspects of pastel and composition. The second focus is motivated by emotional and intellectual curiosity. These two interests are alternately preeminent in my painting and concepts. Ultimately, I hope for a fusion and simultaneous satisfaction of both of these ideas.

Formal aspects that I enjoy include the interaction of colors, contrasts of light and dark relationships, subtle changes in hues, and shapes in my composition. Working with pastel is a gratifying way to work, as well as a challenging one. I have found that creating compositions of living matter, with an emphasis on color, satisfies my emotional and intellectual interests.

Color, light and dark relationships, and compositions are important elements in establishing a mood. I hope to enhance the viewer’s awareness and arouse curiosity of what lies beyond the borders. The spaces and shapes I paint evoke intriguing and emotional feelings.

Artists Who Inspire Me

• Edgar Degas
• Mary Cassatt
• Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
• Claude Monet
• Winslow Homer
• Andrew Wyeth
• Auguste Rodin

Favorite Galleries

• Chicago Institue of Art
• Guggenheim Museum
• The Metropolitan Musem of Art