Artist Statement

I strive to bring the natural forms to different mediums, using an explorative process of painting. I find excitement using mixed media with a variety of textures and often incorporate botanicals. I concentrate on the wildlife and the landscapes of South Carolina, showing both conceptual and realistic aspects.

My work is realistic abstract. I enjoy the excitement of pouring paint on canvas or paper, using whatever is at hand to produce wonderful textures and forms. I use plastic wrap, tissues, sand, glass, oil paint, acrylics, charcoal, ink,  even ferns, leaves, tree bark, grass—all mediums in fact to get the desired result. I never know what I will end up with; I let the paint dictate this to me. In fact if I try to control the piece to much I am usually disappointed. I like to work fast; it keeps me from thinking about it too much. Once I start thinking about it, the spontaneity and energy is gone and I get frustrated.

I am also a traditionalist. While I can paint the usual still lifes and landscapes, I don’t enjoy this as much.  I love the coasts of the Carolinas and Georgia; however, I am an upstate artist so the mountains and scenes of the Piedmont are a tremendous influence. I also gain a great deal of inspiration for my paintings through my travels.

I maintain permanent gallery space at the Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville, 200 N. Main Street.  The gallery is located down from the Hyatt. Look for the Atlanta Bread Company, get a cup of coffee and come on in to the Artist Guild Gallery.