I blend classic realism with bright color reminiscent of stained glass into an unusual style – Bright Art.
I grew up in a family of artists and was given an “old school”, classic art training. I studied in France under Siegfried Hahn and in Tucson under Carolyn Orr. I also studied art at the University of California, Riverside and the University of Alaska, Juneau.
I designed and built stained glass windows professionally as Moonshadows for ten years. My windows sold to churches, businesses, and homes across the United States. I studied new techniques and styles under Narcissus Quagliata at the Pilchuck Institute in Washington.
I returned to concentrating on oils in 1996. I painted realistic portraits, still-lifes, and landscapes. In 2001, I had a solo show at the Fallon, Nevada Convention Center. Still influenced by the art of stained glass, I began adding blocks of color into the traditional portraits to encourage the imagination and participation of the viewer. The blocks of color became more predominant in the paintings, to become Bright Art.
I prepare my canvas in a soft color with medium so that I am not working on a white surface. Then I draw the subject in charcoal on the canvas. I do not use any projections or transfers so that I add my personal touch into the drawing.
Normally, I paint the whole painting as an under painting in a monochrome. This adds a depth to the painting and later will subtly tie the second coat of colors together. Finally, I paint using bright colors to illustrate the beautiful spirit of the subject. I choose the color based on light and shadow, warmth and cool, and intuition. I paint with an inner vision, capturing the attitude, the expression, and the emotion of my subjects; rather than strictly naturalistic realism.
Since 2006, my paintings have lighted galleries in Portland’s Pearl District and downtown. CNN.com’s web site was energized by the display of Attitude in its “State of the Art” gallery. You may have seen my work at the Lake Oswego Art Festival, the Art Action Alliance art shows, or the Three Rivers Art Guild shows.
My bright art sparks a dialogue between the observer and the observed. These unique oil paintings bring a touch of elegance to homes and businesses. I hope you love them as much as I do.
