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Living in two coastal states and growing up in a family that took frequent seaside trips probably got me hooked on the whole experience. The strength of waves, wind, the smell of salt near the Atlantic air are all rejuvenating and freeing. Dwelling inland, I make fewer trips to the coast and fewer depictions of it but hope for that to change.
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My intent has been to depict the look and feel of the vineyard. I avoid painting specific locations, as my desire is to reflect the activity, the light, the seasonal change in fields, vineyards and gardens. Above all, this series serves as a way to honor those whose work brings food and wine to our tables.
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The silk paintings were completed while living in Long Beach and working as a freelance advertising illustrator. Brightly colored, playful scenes in this beach community served as perfect subject matter for the brilliant fluidity of french dyes on china silk.
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Plein air or painting in open air has drawn growing interest among both painters and collectors. Painting on location presents both frustrations and benefits that challenge and entice painters back to the field over and over again. The race against fleeting light and shadow can result in work that is fresh, energetic and difficult to duplicate in the studio.
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subjects that may differ from other categories: most of this work has been completed within the last 2 years
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Though much of my work focuses on people, I can’t ignore the influence a varied California landscape has had in my paintings. Most of the vineyard paintings are intentionally not specific vineyards. They are influenced by visits to wineries throughout northern California from Saratoga and Campbell to the Livermore wine country and north to Napa, St. Helena, Yountville, Glen Ellen and Healdsburg.
When not painting on location, I work out of a rented studio at the Bothwell Center. The Bothwell has been dubbed an “incubator” for the arts. It is an affiliate of the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, (LVPAC) and the Bankhead theatre. The space is conducive to creativity. Often heard in the background are sounds of violin students playing, accompanied by instructors on violin or piano. Next to the studio area is a small theatre where musicians sometimes play and performers rehearse for upcoming plays and light opera.
One of the most satisfying aspects of being a painter is coming to know others with similar pursuits.
Following are a few organizations that serve and unite the art communities of Livermore and surrounding cities:
Livermore Art Association
Livermore Art Gallery
TriValley Artists Guild
Pleasanton Art League