The natural world has always been my muse and inspiration. Whether making an impressionist depiction or an abstracted painting, I'm intrigued by how light falls on the landscape, the patterns and the color juxtapositions that exist in the natural world. Oil paint and pastel are the mediums I prefer to use because of their opacity and unlimited color mixing capabilities. Outdoor painting sketches, along with photographs, become the reference material for larger, more developed pieces. The local landscape provides an endless source of inspiration but I also enjoy developing "abstract landscapes" which are informed by nature. I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan where the painting classes were directed towards abstract expressionism.