My goal as a contemporary artist is to explore the principles of abstract expressionism emphasizing the textures that can be achieved with unexpected materials.

The process became the goal.  Many of my paintings are directed “starts”, with a composition and color scheme in mind but experimenting with new textures, media and ground.  This has led me to exploration with watercolor pigments, inks, gels and mediums and acrylics while using texture materials. The texture materials may remain part of the finished collage or removed to reveal the illusion of textures.  Textures may also be created using unexpected tools found in the kitchen, bathroom or workshop.  After a “start” dries, I remove extra materials and then analyze it to determine what it says to me.  Sometimes I may see representational subject matter, such as figures, florals or landscapes.  Alternatively, I see geometric designs, looking into deep space or a collection of shapes that need greater definition.  From that point on, the painting tells me what to do as I follow the principles of design.  The painting speaks to me, telling me what to paint or collage and where.  What the subject matter is. A dab of brilliant color here, a softening of intensity there may be required. Occasionally, a painting will need to be placed on my easel for extensive study to determine the finishing touches.  Frequently, I will fine tune a painting numerous times, even after framing and or photographing.  Sometimes the process is like “paint by number”, that is, the final painting is very clear in my mind’s eye and I just need to present the image on my ground.

Last but not least, the title is the fun part. Occasionally, the title or theme is revealed to me, right from the start. Other times, after studying the finished painting on my easel across the room, I become aware of the title.