Years ago, while working as director of the museum shop at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA, I was surrounded by wonderful examples of how creative people turned their thoughts and visions into beautiful art that could generate deep emotions for the viewer. That experience served as the catalyst for my embarking on a journey that has taken many years and taken me to many art colleges and other art venues, including classes at Montserrat College of Art, Maine College of Art and the Art Student League of New York City.

Since devoting myself to full-time painting 20 years ago, I have explored working with pencil, ink, watercolors, acrylics and oils. Much of my art relates strongly to German Expressionism and Fauvism. In recent years, I have focused on working in oils because the hallmarks of my paintings are vibrant, bold colors and strong shapes. Oils and brushes provide me with more options to express my ideas. I can take time to examine a piece and change or add elements until I am satisfied with the result. When is that? It is when the composition is sound and the colors blend well—when the painting has taken on a life of its own. Quick paintings are often among my best!

My studio is on the Kennebec River in Bath, Maine. My work is displayed at various exhibits in coastal Maine throughout the year. Selling my work is satisfying, but my passion for painting derives from knowing that I have created something that is alive and lasting.