California

The Enigma

They Stayed Behind

Waiting

 Shanghai Glimpse

Tibetan Monk

Tibetan Woman and Shrine

In a Fishbowl
 

Skyfish

Street Vendor

Through a Glass Darkly

Artist Statement

There is an intimacy to painting people, a knowledge of them that comes from intent study that both intrigues me and deepens my understanding of my subject. I paint for that magical moment when my subject steps from the canvas.  Painting is a vehicle to capture the uniqueness in each person, to learn to really "see" and transcend the narrow boundaries that restrict our vision.  By focusing on expression and gesture, I seek to capture the individuality in each person, ultimately bridging both time and cultural distance.

Two of my recent bodies of work focus upon family history and the people of China.  Each has a strong figurative component.  My family history series uses both word and image, weaving together past and present to create a sense of mystery.

The China series grew out of a month long journey through the Yunnan province of China, home to over 25 different ethnic groups.  Captivated by the people, I was struck by how our concept of what is "Asian" is a very narrow definition relative to the considerable variety among the people I encountered.