The technique for these latest works use layered transparent brush strokes and simple compositions to result in a watercolor-like image, but with oils or acrylics. The clay surface makes this possible, as the drying time is less than it would be on a gesso panel; the paint soaks into the clay surface much like a fresco. The images are rendered quickly with as few brush strokes as possible and the alizarin crimson underpainting shows through; keeping colors vibrant.
I’ve been an artist since age 12. In 2005, I traveled the USA by motor coach, earning a living by teaching online technology courses and painting landscapes, portraits and murals. I prefer to paint outdoors, so decided a trip South and just part-time work would allow me to devote more time to painting. I find that to paint for 3- to 4-hours each day makes me feel healthy. En plein air and studio landscapes are my most common subject but often paint flower, people, and car portraits. The occasional non-objective series of paintings helps expand my technique options.
I paint...
...the visual patterns and dance of light found in everyday or spectacular scenery provides inspiration for paintings created en plain air. At other times, it is juxtaposed memories that create a composition worth recording. In these instances, thought-provoking emotions are laid down with inventive colors, acute angles, obvious brush strokes, impasto textures, and feminine lines.
