I am attracted to the simple lines and shapes, which are formed when a person sits or stands, lost in thought. I love the way the light reflects upon the skin, giving it a soft quality, and creating highlights and shadows that reflect the different colors around them. When I squint my eyes, the values of light and dark, form shapes in and around the figure, which converge into interlocking pieces made up of flat, blocks of color. For me, mixing and exploring color is like making a huge composed salad, with each new color changing the taste and the feel of the colors around it. I am in awe of the colors and shapes of Matisse and Milton Avery, whose great works continue to influence my art. I use live models and my photography as inspiration.
