I work by creating a mood or a story; perhaps a flash of light
streaking through glass. There might be a scene such as a momentary
sunburst on a cold winter's day, or a quirk or twist from a dramatic
model's repertoire.
In my working process, I do 3 or 4 paintings at once, not always in
the same medium. I enjoy working Plein Air, from photos, and figure
life sessions. When I use watercolor I layer the paints to try to
take advantage of the jewel-like colors of this medium. Switching to
oil painting requires working in the opposite way from watercolors,
for example, saving the whites versus opaque whites. This is a
refreshing change. I use poppyseed oil in my oil painting process
instead of solvents.
People are affected by art. They can be sad or happily transported
for a while. That is meaningful and hopeful to me.
