Every landscape has it’s own beauty; it’s own color palette, texture and story to tell. Every person has a story as well; sometimes easily read, sometimes more guarded or introspective.

My paintings are my attempt to capture that which draws me emotionally, to tap those wellsprings. Of course it’s always about light, and at times it’s about color, or graphic design or mood. I believe you could paint a subject a thousand times and every painting would be different - a moment’s response to the passing of time in space.

I am a westerner at heart. This doesn’t mean I am not attracted to other places. However, I know that my passion for life is tied to the wide open, and the circle of life that becomes evident when you get away from the city. I am struck by the expanse of sky, the shadows moving across the landscape, the power of a summer storm. I love watching our horses race over the hill, the deer grazing in the field, or the hawk chasing the eagle through the sky. I appreciate the journey the seasons require of us all. It is these things that have shaped me. They sometimes leave me in awe. It is to these things I am drawn as an artist, and to the many stories.

I am attracted to the graphic elements of a subject as well; to the strength of simple design. Someone once said that “artists either work from the outside in, or from the inside out.” I suppose I work from the outside in, as I like the line and design quality of something, and then work to find the essence within.

I enjoy painting plein-air and from life, as one loses the subtleties of color and light when working from photographs, although I do that as well. The intrinsic nature, the indispensable quality of a subject often needs to be experienced. Plein-air painting is a good teacher. Then, one strives to quickly capture the essence, because it’s gone in a flash. I believe this process has made me a better painter; and that knowledge gained can then be applied to my studio pieces as well. I hope to be always learning as I venture forth.

I feel very lucky to live in a place that reminds me that Mother Nature is in charge, and we best remember our place. I know that I am but a visitor, and hope to be able to well record some of these special life stories - as I live my own - here in Big Sky country.