I paint the figurative landscape as if it is a proscenium stage–a lit space directly facing the audience. The horizon line separates the sky from the land and these elements frame the tree and the human figure. All appear as actors on the stage. Light, as it frames and highlights the tree or the figure, directs the viewer’s eye.

A solo tree, when present is brightly lit at center or stands aside waiting for its cue. In my images the tree symbolizes something strong and deeply rooted, a provider of shelter.

The painted figure represents an individual I personally admire and depict in relationship with a fictional landscape. She boldly faces and engages the viewer or looks down and away. Placed in an interior space open to the sky, she finds relief in its beauty and absorbs the warm light. Molded into the landscape, he is represented only as a pair of hands folded along the horizon line. These paintings are my interpretations of the individual.

In most recent work I am incorporating architectural elements, giving the impression of boxing in, or enclosing the sky. I paint the shapes, colors and patterns formed.

I paint large watercolors on paper because of the responsiveness of the paint with the paper as the paint stains and becomes one with it. Each deep, rich hue is created through a series of washes, one transparent layer over another, built up until the intensity of the color is reached drawing the viewer in.