Growing up in a family of artists I naturally gravitated in that direction. I have immersed myself in all manner of artistic endeavors, from oil and pastels to stone carving and ceramics. I even tried weaving for a while. I was a successful potter for many years selling my wares throughout New England. Regrettably, life got in the way, and I had to step away from an art form I loved.
After several years searching for a medium that would fill the artistic void, I discovered watercolors. First, painting botanicals and then gradually including landscapes and a bird here and there. I love the detail that painting botanicals demands and can spend hours building layer upon layer to bring out the detail and depth of a subject. Watercolor provides the ability to do that transparent layering which makes it an ideal medium for painting botanicals. I’m always amazed at the finished work.
At first, I tried to apply that same attention to detail to landscapes and became frustrated with the results. I have gradually begun to simplify my approach which I find far more satisfying. Interestingly enough, I am drawn to landscape art that makes a statement by its simplicity rather than its detail, the lone antique barn on a hill, a sailboat in the mist or a downtrodden house on a side road. Although these tend to conjure up tonal images, I tend to be more of a colorist with an occasional tonal piece now and then. I don’t have any one style when it comes to landscapes. Instead, I let the subject matter dictate my approach. This may change over time but for now, I’m enjoying the journey.
