“Using oil paint gives me better control of the finality of the piece, and by default allows for great mishaps. I don’t want total control of the medium just enough to get a three dimensional message across on a two dimensional surface. A transcending moment fostering enjoyment.  I would never want to be completely convinced with what I’m doing with the paint; otherwise there would be nothing left for me to look forward to….I always try to use a palette that best communicates depth in a painting, never using the same color in both the background and foreground.  Combined with the importance I find in facial reaction or the gesture of the body I hope to create a final picture of stopped motion that I can see in rewind and fast forward through my minds eye.

This is achieved through a 3 stage process. Within the past year I have taken to including a finished abstract under painting or (landscape). The second stage consists of an intentional rough overcoat of human form and gesture while continually deciding which forms and colors will show through. The third stage begins to give clarity to the figure in the painting. The last stage will take weeks if not months of deliberation as I work on at least 3-4 pieces at a time.

Expressed with subtlety through layers of paint and color, a sort of shyness helps us to see the main character revealed in the painting as a hero. Discernible to the viewer, the figure becomes the most complicated machine on the planet. The expressions and movements make it seem possible to understand the physical and emotional destination of the figure. The viewer is tempted to look more than once, recognizing something new with each glimpse. A story for their creative fantasy is conceived.”