En plein air painting defines my style. Several characteristics contribute to the distinctive beauty of painting outdoors. Pieces are smaller to capture a scene in one session. Time constraints in a changing environment cause them to lack extensive detail, so they appear slightly fuzzy or unfinished. Further, they tend to have a freshness and spontaneity which makes them impossible to compare to studio work. I consider this to be the adventure side of art, combining characteristics of camping and the influence of the elements to create a thing of beauty. Hence, painting both en plein air and alla prima, which roughly translates to 'in one layer,' capture my imagination with a challenging, guerrllla-style painting method that is both close to nature as well as in the thick of the environment. As a result, my pieces tend to impart a mood well before imparting any detail.

I saw my first tree when I was a Senior at Wofford College, the result of a required art class outside of my Science majors. Transformed, I then redirected to balance Art and Biochemistry over the coming years. Graduate work at the University of Richmond in Humanities and Art History gave me the proper foundation for further studies, while local artist instructors continue to share their passion. First a photographer, watercolorist, woodworker, and quilter, I now paint in soft pastel, oil, and mixed media. My joy is working en plein air and I see trees regularly now.

Although I grew up in the Mid-West and South, I have lived in lush Virginia for over 20 years. An award-winning artist exhibiting and selling both nationally and regionally, I appreciate the variety of opportunities affords the creative mind close to home. Besides painting scenes nearby, I enjoy being active in the Arts locally, from belonging to and volunteering with many societies to spending time in the schools and teaching the Boy Scout Art Merit Badge.

In addition to participating in monthly and special displays in W-16 at the Workhouse, please see my monthly exhibits at The Loft Gallery in close by Occoquan VA for viewing more paintings in person. Track me on my art blog, Potomac Artworks, which is full of stories I tell about my paintings and their locations, plus details about exhibits. See my resume for my list of shows and other art-related activities.Contact me directly anytime. Sincere thanks for stopping by.