My paintings are inspired by the mood, mystery and feeling of a place either real or imagined. My work often pushes away from detailed representation and goes more towards expressive brush work. My goal is to have a conversation with the watercolor in order to create a place of feeling and mystery. Sometimes I control it and sometimes it controls me.
I always say watercolor is like a teenager. If you over control it, it will rebel. But if you come at it with a good plan, a confident hand, and some flexibility, it will sing for you. It is a challenging medium and that's why I love it.
I begin with wet on wet, then glaze, lift and direct painting. I am careful not to over mix my colors on the palette in order to keep color fresh and flowing as it blends in the wet on wet application.
I work on archival Arches 140# and 300# cold press watercolor paper. My pigments are archival Winsor Newton professional grade and my mats are archival museum quality Bainbridge Alpharag Artcare , 100% rag. These are permanent paintings protected by permanent mats and backing.