Living in places defined by landscape and outdoor connection, I developed a sense of stewardship and a love of the wilderness at a young age. My favorite things in the world as a child were exploring outside, pretending to be a naturalist pioneer, and drawing animals. I’m trained as both a scientist and an artist, and through this lens, I create works of art with watercolor, ink, and acrylic to remind us of the complicated and rich world of nature.
My artwork reflects the enchanting and enigmatic sides of plants and animals. Many of my paintings reveal something inconspicuous or overlooked by others. I notice the small things, the details that define the essence and character of my subjects. I’m drawn to the intricate patterns, textures, and rich colors I see around me, all of which I weave into my work.
I work in watercolor, and often incorporate ink, acrylic, or gesso into my pieces. I find watercolor wonderfully expressive and engaging because while it requires a certain level of control, there is also an unpredictability and magic to the medium that leads to interesting textures and color mingling. Before adding my first watercolor washes, I often create an overall abstract pattern that provides structural unity to the composition and juxtaposes with the soft brushstrokes of watercolor.
My process of transforming an idea into a composition begins with the nuts and bolts of studying and researching my subject. Here my science background and love of learning influences my work as an artist. My notes, sketches, and other reference material become a portfolio of information that I rely on when creating a piece. The creative part of my work comes when I touch pencil and brush to paper, composing an image that reflects what I have learned and how I feel about my subject. While I start with a detailed drawing, I remain flexible while painting. I push and pull pigment to create rich bold colors, and coax patterns and textures through the interplay of various materials.
Humans have a universal yearning for beauty, connection, and sanctuary. My purpose as an artist is to bring the beauty of the outside in through my artwork. My hope is to inspire others to connect with and appreciate the gift of our natural world and ultimately with each other, regardless of where we come from.