04/21/2026
The essential purpose of my art is to engage viewers in ways that are personal and immersive. I want the paintings to connect directly on the level of sensation first, allowing critical and intellectual meaning to emerge subtly. In that sense I identify with Janet Fish and David Hockney's use of gorgeous color and expressive marks to seduce and delight the viewer.
With that understanding, the paintings use three parallel strategies. First, that I love and respect my subjects including the flora, fauna and funga of Virginia that I encounter both casually (e.g. in the garden) and adventurously (e.g in our wildlife refuges). Second, that I paint those subjects with celebratory and expressive color relationships, scale and mark-making, to give the viewer rich visual experiences. Third, that I do so modestly and with a sense of humor. Though that humor is often deadpan (e.g. very little things very big), it comes from core sincerity and authenticity, offering courage and joy to viewers.
GREEN WORLD
oil on canvas, 30x40”
