As a plein air painter, I paint on location. I look for light and dark patterns while I think about what makes this place unique. Often I find a portion of the scene that tells the bigger story. By parceling it down, I also can make a more compelling composition which is always my first priority. A close second, is a strong sense of light. As a painter of the land, I’m also aware that change is inevitable whether seasonal, caused by a warming climate, urban development or deterioration over time. We are always at a moment in time when we can tell the story of what “this” moment is! But beyond that: I love being outside and painting has heightened my observation of the world around me. My formal training in painting began with my B.A. in art, emphasis on oil painting at DePauw University and continues to this day as I learn from my painting partners and attend workshops to continue to grow. My work is available in Piper J Gallery in Truckee.