Artists Statement
As I paint portraits I am reminded that the world is connected, an intricate fabric of humanity and at any given moment we might experience the same emotion as another person somewhere around the world.
I begin a painting by finding a subject that conveys a certain emotion. You can feel a person’s spirit through their eyes, so eyes are my primary focus. The media I use is watercolor on canvas. Watercolor has a fresh, spontaneous impression and the colors I apply are close to primary. The spontaneity of watercolor combined with the vibrant intimacy of raw color helps convey the emotional message I’m looking to achieve. When the work is completed I apply a wax coating to preserve the vibrant colors and give the painting a professional, finished appearance.
Through my current work I strive to reveal a glimpse of the subject’s character brought to life in paint. My desire is that when you see the unrehearsed shapes of pure color, returning the light, from the surface of the once white canvas, the viewer will be moved emotionally, and sense the individual’s unique inner story. When we can empathize with one another at this level, with emotion that transcends culture, social status, race and dogma we can begin to change the world, one person at a time.
I see you.