Statement

My paintings are plein air landscapes in oil on canvas. I love being outside painting the effects of light and color and lightness or solidity, giving form to what I experience. I see my work as doorways through which I can walk to connect with the spirit that is. There is always more to the landscape than trees, water, and ground, although, these are the images I paint to present what I sense in my soul. I think of Meister Eckhart’s observation that “The world (is)…contrived …for training and bracing the eye of the soul to endure divine light.”. I aim to present “divine light”.

I love color and am fascinated with the luminous effects of air and water presenting rivers of reflection and shadowy clouds. The dichotomy of the solidity of trees and rocks counterbalanced by translucent leaves, sky, and water engage me between reality and abstraction, thereby allowing a leap into infinity. I find that leaving the brushwork more open while defining patterns of nature, permits the toned ground to show through the lightly painted sections for a greater sense of illumination. Ambiguities thus created, enable each viewer to meet each work at their level of interest. I fit my brushwork and wide color variation to define the needs of each landscape. My emphasis is not on manipulating materials, nor to display a personality of style, but by the traditional use of value and color I strive to paint our mystical connections. Now, whether I am successful at all, begs the viewer’s decision.

Each landscape I chose to paint appears to dictate itself to me: I often feel I am merely providing the materials for creation. I do not think about “style” but what the particular painting needs. Basically, I just paint.

Thirty years of creating abstract art in paint and paper collages, as well as teaching various art forms, have made me proficient in my field. Yet I am still awed and amazed and grateful when I look at these works. For me, each painting is a beginning and a promise, that is, a doorway.