Through my oil paintings and watercolors, I try to capture things that catch my attention.  Having lived in Iowa most of my life, I enjoy painting scenes that reflect the essence and beauty of Iowa.  Often, what interests me are Iowa landscapes, landmarks like the State Fair, the State Capitol, birds and cats, table and flower arrangements, things out of the ordinary (like a snapping turtle on a bike path, or kayaks lined up in a parking lot.)  Painting and drawing for me is meditative – it’s something I do to feel peaceful and relaxed and the process energizes me.  Sometimes, my paintings go through several renditions, both in planning and execution so even though I plan what I do, unexpected accidents may steer me away from my plans.  It’s wonderful when they’re happy accidents.

Claude Monet’s quote:  “I would like to paint the way a bird sings,” reflects my goal – to paint pictures that allow the viewer to feel the way I do about a subject, the way we interpret the bird’s song in a positive light.