Artist Statement:  My paintings reflect my reverence for the natural world, especially the rivers and backwaters in the Driftless area of Wisconsin and Iowa. I try to present a work that engages the viewers’ senses, suggests a story and captures the imagination so that the one viewing wishes to be in that place I have created. I have paddled my kayak on many rivers in our area, experiencing that quiet world of incredible color and light, watching the scene unfold around the bend, from the darkest shadow of a large rock outcropping to the delicate green of spring emerging in the trees. 

In the studio the work begins with a sketch, followed by masses of color on canvas to establish basic shapes, placement of rocks, water, trees and focal points. Then the work begins to create a composition that speaks of what I have seen. Each painting has its’ own challenges and problems to solve. Eventually the image I hope to capture presents itself as if an unseen hand has guided my struggle. The painting is finished when it speaks a thousand words and I have painted a place where the sun kisses the earth.