My paintings begin with an image that speaks to me as I gather ideas for a new painting.

It could be the bend of a branch, the design of a shadow or a vibrant color I caught while passing. I explore composition by rough sketches, cropping black and white photos and doodles. Then comes the building of texture with brushes, rollers, palette knives and hands.  Often messages are added which will later be hidden. This is when there is the beginning of a history that I can manipulate into a finished piece to bring me back to my intention. Each piece is a dance between intellect and intuition. And a self portrait of myself at that moment.