BIRDS... 

The close up portraits of birds came from my experiences bird banding. The banding stations where I have volunteered and worked, have allowed me to study the details of the bird’s heads. This detail was always fascinating to me. I immediately wanted to paint the birds that way, just the head, like a portrait. I liked painting bird portraits for a couple of reasons. One is to trick the viewer, normally the "face" of the bird is not a typical field mark. But most importantly, I want the bird or critter to be viewed as an individual not just one of many of the same.

These stylized birds are fun, but not necessarily intentional. This is just they way they come out when I portray them. Their graphic forms with big blocks of color are often striking and bold, and yet, you get enough information to determine the species. What a great test for birdwatchers…

When I was young my parents had bird feeders in their yard. To this day, feeder watching is my favorite form of bird watching. Whenever I am out I am listening for the birds. I cannot imagine a world without birdsong.

MAMMALS... 

There are so many mammals in trouble, these days. It really breaks my heart. I want to portray the mammals like I do the birds. I want their soul to shine in the portraits. But mostly, I want to be able to help them by painting them. Not only do my paintings force the viewer to at the very least, consider the animal, but I sometimes offer donations to various organizations that work towards preserving our wildlife, with the profits of these paintings. 

My strong love for birds and animals began as a kid, when I collected animals rather than dolls. As an adult I have worked with animals and birds, and I find that work to be more than gratifying. After all, the wildlife was here first! It is our moral responsibility to take care of them.

 ABSTRACTS... 

All of my art is nature inspired. In addition to painting birds and animals, I enjoy experimenting with abstract art. I also enjoy mixing it up using a variety of media within one piece. Collage work is lots of fun for me. Sometimes I will cut up watercolor paintings, and use them in a larger abstract piece. Most of my abstracts are very emotional, coming from within. I get brush (or whatever tool I am using) in hand and turn up the music and let it flow. I find that this method of painting is very gratifying. The end result is interesting, and sometimes surprising, even for me. Sometimes the painting is all about the process, and not so much about the end result.

In any event, I plan to expand of the various media I use and continue to create evocative abstracts with whatever methods I come up with.

 OTHER... 

I began painting in the 80’s; buildings, people. Although I have been side tracked for the last 10 years, painting birds, I do want to expand the subject matter. I have dabbled in painting people, women; goddesses, and witches. I have taken some of Albrecht Durer’s engravings and painted them in my own colorful way.

I will show pieces that do not fit into my galleries in my “other” gallery. Occasionally, I will paint just a form in nature; like a bird’s nest, or a mountain. I enjoy painting flowers, and other bits of nature. My “Other Gallery” will no doubt contain my most eclectic pieces of art.