Process

Detail of Underpainting

I work in a series of contradictions. I usually start with no idea of where I am really going. However, sometimes I start with a colour., and sometimes that colour changes. I always start a painting on canvas with an underpainting of colour washes.

Detail of Underpainting

The colour washes are applied in thin layers. In places there will be one or two layers, in others there will be several. These washes start to build a landscape, a road map of lights and darks and of movement. They give direction  and are in no way indicative of the colour that will be applies over them.

Once this has been achieved  I spend a great deal of time looking at it from all angles. I place them upside down, sideways, and mix them up. Often times a triptych will become a diptych or a single canvas.

Detail of Underpainting

Triptych

40" x 78" 

I search for the movement that suggests the figure that should be there. Once this has been established I can start painting.

So really, my underpainting a series of underpaintings.

Falling Light and Poetry

Falling Light

Acrylic and Charcoal on Canvas

30" x 24"

1950.00

I have a firm belief that my paintings are visual poems. What I am trying to convey is a feeling. I give just enough information to catch the viewers attention and then allow their imaginations take them away.

I belive I have succeed with Falling Light.

Where does it take you.

More than a Feeling

Pasture Mates

Oil on Canvas

34" x 34"

3750.00

Starting a painting is easy! I begin with colour washes. I layer them. I manipulate the colour by placing one on top of the other. I let gravity play a part in the pigments settling and running. Most of the time I'm delighted. The work comes in the next stage.
                                                                                                                                       
 I am an intuitive painter. A lot of what I do is that I allow myself to be guided by what I have already painted. I respond to the color, and the line, and the shapes.

What I am moving towards is a feeling. This particular painting was motivated by that feeling of joy, and peace, and of that full hearted love you feel when you see your horses content in the pasture.

If I have succeeded, you will feel it too
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Another Glimpse

Detail from

Angle of Repose

Mixed Media & Oil on Birch

40" x 20"

$2750.00

Another detail from one of the paintings in "Perceived Landscapes" show at the Flagstaff Arboretum through October.
Remember, I am a lousy picture taker!

Artists and Artwork

"Blue Note; Surfacing"

Oil on Birch

23" x 69"

Oak Frame Ready to Hang

$4750.00

SOLD

I was working at West of the Moon Gallery last friday for First Friday Art Walk. Shonto Begay is the featured artist there  this month and he has quite a following.I was not surprised that the Gallery was full to crowed from 6:00 to 9:30 but, I was amazed by how many people were out and about.

Towards the end of the evening I was talking to another artist who had an opening reception that night at another gallery. He was very please with the turn out and response to his paintings and that he had sold some of his art. One of the painting that he sold was not the painting that received the most compliments. We then started talking about how we each have two or three pieces of artwork that people love. They are always talked about with great excitement and highly praised, and we both still have these paintings. We just figure that whoever is suppose to own them just hasn't come along yet.

The painting above is one of these paintings.

"Blue Note; Surfacing"

Oil on Birch

23" x 69"

Oak Frame Ready to Hang

$4750.00

SOLD

I love this painting. It's hanging up in my studio and everyday it makes me smile. I can look at it for hours and often wonder how did I paint this.