I studied
the tromp l’oeil (French for “fool the eye”)
style of oil painting for many years while in Buffalo, NY. This
taught me to use light color against dark color to give my paintings
depth. I work on my paintings in a spare bedroom in my home converted
into a studio. There I paint while listening to classical music
with my dog as company and cannot think of a better way to spend
the day. I begin by using my photographs (I use an old 35 mm camera
- no digital for me!) from my trips to Savannah and St. Augustine
as a basis for the start of each original painting. Soon, as each
painting develops, creative license takes over. From the photo
comes a pencil drawing used to work out the composition. Once
that is complete, it is then re-drawn on a canvas and oil paint
is applied. Changes such as enhancing color (especially adding
red - a favorite color of mine); trees and flowers are put as
needed or removed, etc until it becomes a much more creative,
nostalgic setting. Scenes such as gates, courtyards, marsh scenes,
gardens, café scenes are typical subjects in my original
oil paintings. Currently, my style is leaning more toward impressionism.
Memberships: St. Augustine
Art Association
St. Simon’s Fine Art Guild
Spanish Garrison of St. Augustine
Gallery: The Avondale
Gallery - St. Johns Ave, Jacksonville
Cork & Keg Wine Bar & Gallery