ARTIST STATEMENT

     I hope to convey in my paintings the same feelings of peace and childlike wonder that I get when enjoying nature.  The inspiration comes from the beautiful places I've been, the animals I've encountered, and a little imagination.  I start with photographs that I've taken, along with hours of observation.  I happily spend time hiking in the mountains, playing in the California surf, and watching thunderheads build over the Arizona desert.  I could easily spend hours watching seals lying around on the beach, lizards doing "pushups", or a territorial hummingbird defending his turf.  Rather than copying my photographs exactly,  I'm more interested in creating a peaceful mood, evoking memories of a favorite place or vacation, or depicting a scene that you'd like to walk right into and make up your own story about.