The Back Story...

-  In Pursuit of the Garden of Eden -  -

                   Working towards the completion of a painting is like assembling a puzzle.  The various "pieces" have to be located and put in the proper place.  Sometimes these "pieces" are obvious, sometimes less so.  It's normally a specific effect or mood that I'm trying to convey through composition, drawing and color. The bottom line is to seek out and complete a finished work that's unified by brushwork, color and compositional balance. Those are the key elements for my work production methods.

               The basic composition of the work being the most important. It's the foundation of the structure and what I build on.  Balance is critical as well. Sometimes this balance isn't obvious.  But in the end, sitting back and looking at the work gives the viewer that sense of balance.  A visual balance. 

               When that balance is achieved, the work seems to draw in the viewer with each viewing.  At least that's the goal.  It's often elusive, but if it's there...I'll sense it.  I figure if it works for me, it will achieve the same effect for the viewer.  So far, so good. 

                I prefer work that exhibits a "lively" brush stroke.  It gives the work a life that's otherwise unachievable.  Nature is not static.  While color is critical, it's not what I build a painting around. It's an all-inclusive approach. I've discovered over time that I like to look at paintings that represent something in nature (normally a landscape).  It's comparable to a "visual adventure", a journey.

               My own work reflects that. I've done very detailed work, but it's not apparent (or necessary) in every work I complete. Some paintings "read" better with more detail, some do not. It's a matter of being patient with myself, basically, as I reach a determination. 

               I get to a certain stopping point, set the work aside, then come back to it later and see if I notice anything else I should add.  It's not uncommon for a painting to look completely finished, yet I don't sign and release it until perhaps less than a half dozen carefully placed brush strokes are added.  The proverbial "final touches".

              I usually have six or seven works "under construction" at any given time. All my work starts with a basic, free-hand sketch, which I alter and adjust for overall accuracy as I go forward. 

               I don't use graphs or projections [using a projector to trace out image on a canvas or panel] to facilitate a painting's outcome, preferring a more naturalistic approach of careful observation and drawing abilities.  The end result is the works sort of finish themselves when the time is right! 

                For you, the Viewer of this website, the paintings you see are the result of many years of hard work, concentration, research, refinement and rejuvenation.  I started asking myself what is it that I was really trying to do with these landscape paintings.  When all was "said and done", what was my motivation.

               In the middle of the night, sound asleep, it dawned on me.... I was looking for the so-called "Garden of Eden".  Each individual painting I do is a part of that search.  In reality, the Garden of Eden is all around us.  It all depends on how you look at things.

              Incidently, I'm not one of those artists who bends over backwards to throw together paintings just to increase my inventory of finished paintings.  Why rush!  What's the hurry?  This isn't a "race to the finish line".

           I'm a firm believer in "quality over quantity". Taking the time (however long it may be) to complete a painting to my satisfaction has always been the most practical method for me.  I try not to "chase the golden ring".  That's not my style.  I'll leave that approach to others.          

            It's my hope that what you see in these paintings entertains and delights the eye and that they will continue to do so for years to come.