When I study God's creation and the principles of design and beauty found there, I am drawn to Him. It is a privilege to be a visual artist because learning to see opens doors of adventure and pleasure that are available everywhere and in the simplest things.
I am influenced as much by certain writers–––especially George MacDonald and C.S. Lewis–– as I am by great visual artists because they help me understand the deeper purpose of the arts. Lewis speaks of nature being "only the first sketch" of a greater glory. It is that greater glory that I see in the ordinary world around me and that is what I hope to communicate to the viewer. Whether in an old bearded gentleman with character wrinkles or in the white light patterns on the deep green grass, I see the glory of God everywhere. I am captivated by the ordinary man, the simple little house, the rugged oak, the curly hair of a spaniel, the white explosion of a cumulous cloud. Nothing is insignificant.
Although I work with various mediums, I find myself coming back again and again to pastel—both soft and oil pastel. The medium allows me to build map-like patterns of design that can be layered to create the texture, value, and color that I'm after. Pastel is especially valuable for my plein air studies that often lead to more finished work. It is portable and immediate and can be used on colored sanded boards or papers.
I also love oils––the rich color, the creamy texture––and working in pastels has helped me simplify the oil painting process. Both pastel and oil allow me to work from dark to light, building the underlying abstract patterns of values that create more dramatic realistic or impressionistic works.
I believe that beauty is a reflection of the Creator, and the visual arts and language arts bring me to a greater appreciation of the grace of God.
ART ASSOCIATIONS
Mint Hill Arts
Charlotte Plein Air Painters
Piedmont Pastel Society
Oil Painters of America, Associate member
Oil Pastel Society
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