PERSONAL STATEMENT: "I lean heavily on nature for both inspiration and technique."

"My palette seems to be mostly earthy, muted tones compatible with natural themes. Often I find the viewer reads part of his or her experience into my paintings.... seeing something in the abstract shapes that I had not seen. I am pleased when my paintings inspire a person's imagination or mood."

"To prepare for painting I sometimes take rubbings of rocks or wood, or make weed prints.

I often dye a variety of papers and then collage parts of the papers and prints onto the canvas for a background. At this point I have no subject matter in mind.

The natural lines and textures of the papers dictate what I should develop next. I use a variety of drawing media..... conte crayons, charcoal, pastels, and graphite as well as washes of acrylic paint or watercolors.

The subject matter of a painting begins to emerge naturally as I work. I am often intrigued with the colors and textures to the point where I just kind of play with it all for some time. Layers of paper and thinned paint can bring out the development of the design. I gradually shift to more thought and less chance to develop a total plan that pleases me. Then the paint brushes are put to work in earnest.

Sometimes I begin with ocean sand either blown on dry or flowed on with water, again letting the sand develop the pattern until it pleases me. This sometimes takes hours (when the sun is warm and the breeze is lovely!) The sand pattern is secured with thin layers of acrylic medium. When dry, the painting begins as before, dictating to me what it will become."