Creation Series Mixed Media Paintings

The Creation Series encompasses years of deliberate, playful experimentation born on a bone-chilling Winter night in 2006.  Seeking to create one result, I stumbled instead on an exciting, mysterious process that has continued to evolve and fascinate me ever since.

I call this collection the” Creation Series; A Collaboration With Nature.”

For that first experiment, my intent was to leave a  wet watercolor painting outside all night which, theoretically, would freeze and leave an ice crystal pattern on my paper.  It seemed simple enough.  I headed out into the freezing Tahoe evening with acrylic inks, a water-soaked piece of paper in a cookie sheet and a little salt. I applied the ink and salt and left it to the elements.

The following morning, I ventured out to see how the night had finished what I had started.  The result (see Creation no. 1) was fascinating.  Water, ink and salt had responded to one another in the freezing temperature in ways totally unexpected. Exhilarated, I spent the rest of that first winter and every winter since inviting the coldest nights to join me in creating these unique pieces.  Exploring ways to make the work BIG, I created multiple pieces that related to one another through movement and color.  I was astonished to see that by assembling the paintings in this manner, the gestural work recorded an other-worldly conversation.

After years of experimenting, the mystery remains intact. The right combination of water, pigment and temperature allows the salt crystals to melt, creating saltwater pathways spirited by nighttime breezes and falling snow. Over time, I have learned to patiently foster the work, predicting how the movement will unfold and subtly influencing that movement, more assisting in the process than controlling it.   Ultimately though, I rely heavily on the roles played by the media, salt and weather.  Each painting, although a product of human invention, is unique to the qualities of the moment and the natural world, and thus cannot be repeated.

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Aspen Series Watercolor Paintings

I am entranced by Aspens. They provide much of the subject matter of my work. On a sunny day at the Lake, they are spectacularly illuminated against the cerulean blue sky. When the breezes catch the leaves they quake and shimmer in the sunshine, making a rustling sound that is unique unto them. I paint them in all of our glorious seasons hoping to capture their elegance and beauty in their pristine landscape.

There is a place near Lake Tahoe that is special to me. It’s called Hope Valley. This valley has been the location of several vision quests and I return every year to be filled again and reminded of the many gifts that I have received.

Hope Valley in the fall is stunning. Aspens groves punctuate the piney landscape with splashes of color that assault the senses. Some years, the aspens succumb to an early freeze and the fall show is cancelled…which only serves to make it all the more precious and spectacular when we get the full performance.

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Watercolor Paintings

The beautiful light that can be created with watercolor paint continues to inspire me to put brush to paper. Having lived on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe for the last 28 years, I have been blessed with countless experiences and vistas that have taken my breath away. Painting this incredible landscape has captured my spirit and will continue to be a focal point of my work.

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Oil & Pastel Paintings, Graphite Drawings

I also work in oil, pastel and graphite.  I continue to explore new mediums and techniques.

View the Oil, Pastel, Graphite Gallery