To me, painting is a passion, a doorway into a life long journey of self discovery.  My work is based on my way of seeing, perceiving and responding to the power of nature and the quiet beauty in the world. Over the last 20 years I've resided on the coast of Maine where I love being able to see the ocean every day and catch glimpses of a variety of wildlife. The subjects to which I’m drawn are diverse. I’m inspired by animals and plants of the region, boats, moods of the sea, marshes and expansive vistas. Many of my paintings are created on site, "plein air" or while on a boat anchored near islands.  My artistic process an ongoing exploration in color, pattern and texture. Techniques of layering, stamping or scraping with a palette knife can result in a rich variety of surface and color. I love the energetic, vibrant results when and as they appear. I’m not as interested in realistically rendering an entire scene as to stir and refresh the senses through texture, pattern and color. Then the viewer can easily bring their own experience of nature to bear. Creating work of a variety of subjects has been a way for me to explore and integrate basic elements in art: color, texture, line, shape and value. Sometimes I like to let the paint lead. It’s satisfying and exciting for the painting itself to change and guide me. Working in this way helps to keep imagery original and lively, “from nature to nature”. In depictions of creatures, they are living symbols of life, the unconditional acceptance and kindness our planet needs. They are our companions if we are to be stewards of fulfilling the promises of life itself. I like the challenges of being a contemporary artist while honoring the history of painting. I hope that my paintings lift or awaken the spirit of the viewer, bringing enjoyment for many years.