To me, painting is all about problem solving: the endless interplay of value, color and form. I work on large canvasses; composition comes easily to me and I love experimenting with color. It’s the strong, clear lines and bold, saturated color that convey the tropical experience. The colors and composition are commanding and demanding; they grab your attention. I’ve always loved color. It’s very sensual, even voluptuous.
My style and sense of color have been greatly influenced by trips to Tahiti and Fiji and by artists such as Gaugin. Also, people in their infinite variety are fascinating to me; I can spend a lifetime painting their stories and never get bored. So, people (the figure) are more important to me than objects. In my Vinaka Fiji series (thank you, Fiji!), when you see “Pio Laughing” or “Shells From Waya,” the sense of place—the experience—comes through.
I feel I’ve been an artist all my life: first sketching as a child and later experimenting with pen and ink, watercolor and charcoal; then I worked for many years as a hand drafter, switching to computers when they first became available; and for the past 12 years I’ve owned a business that provides graphic design and visual simulation services. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that I started taking my art more seriously. I took some oil painting classes and found I loved the color and freedom oils gave me. I love the movement, pushing the paint to get it to do what I want. I paint because it’s what I love to do and I enjoy the challenge of mastering a new medium.
Twyla Tharp said, “Art is running away without ever leaving home.” That works for me.
