ARTIST'S STATEMENT

I grew up on the Southern Plains.  My father worked for an oil company and we moved frequently.  Most would agree that there isn't much to look at on the Plains, but with each family move I began to notice subtle differences in the landscape.  I saw varying shades, hues and tones and how the colors changed with the differing light.   An art instructor once told me that different hues of the same value excite the eye.  This defined the colors of my childhood and I strive to capture these nuances on each canvas by limiting my palette to only 4 or 5 colors.   I paint less to depict the landscape than to capture the colors.

Most of my landscapes begin en plein air.  Although I consider myself an accomplished plein air painter, I use my plein air pieces as the "photograph" with which to create the actual paintings in my studio.  I give the viewer barely enough information to recognize a location, the greater focus being on the push and pull of color which gives each piece its depth.  I work primarily (though not exclusively) with oils because of the beautiful sheen and vibrant luster they produce.

Since we were always moving, I saw the landscape in motion.   Thus I begin each canvas with a sketch usually done in black with large fluid motions to depict how the landscape looked from the back seat of the car as it tumbled past me.   These fluid lines depict that movement and I leave some of these lines visible in the finished painting because they evoke the excitement and adventure I felt as a child.