Each painting is an accumulation of all the classes, books, workshops, experiments, successes and failures...twenty years of two steps forward, one step back in a never ending journey down many paths.
When I painted in watercolor, I concentrated on technique and learning to see shapes, values and color. As I branched out into oils and acrylics I also started to paint outdoors, "en plein air". The landscape is a very complicated place when you're standing in the middle of it.
Simplifying or abstracting the landscape was necessary. In order to paint more abstractly I needed to nail down the principles of design and composition. Making collages and painting experimentally has taught me to think abstractly. When there is no preconceived subject and the painting develops layer by layer, the elements and principles of design act as guideposts in the creation of a successful painting.
Jewelry design is based on the same principles and not coincidentally you'll see many similarities in my paintings and jewelry. Forging, shaping and joining requires the same eye as painting.
Whether moving paint, metal or paper, I'm happy as long as I am learning and creating.