My canvases explode with the vibrant hues of the Midwest, a region often perceived in muted tones, yet teeming with both an outward & inward beauty. Through bold, decisive brushstrokes, I capture the raw energy of the landscape, the quiet dignity of still life arrangements, and the unrestrained joy of floral abundance. Growing up amidst the expansive skies and fertile fields of the heartland, I developed a deep connection to its rhythms and textures. My paintings are not mere representations; they are responses to the world around me. The intense yellows of a summer sunset over a cornfield, the electric pinks and oranges of prairie wildflowers against a stormy sky, the crisp blues and greens of a rural country drive – these are the things that inspire my work.In my still life and floral paintings, I seek to elevate the everyday, to find the extraordinary within the ordinary. A plate of pineapple invites playfulness, a bouquet of summer stems burst with pure light. The thick brushwork and dynamic application of paint create a tactile surface, inviting the viewer to not just see, but almost feel the weight of a peach, the velvety texture of a petal. My intention is to create a sense of immediacy and emotional resonance in the joy of my painting’s surfaces. I want the viewer to experience the world as I do – full of unexpected color and vibrant life, even in the seemingly simple moments and familiar scenes of the Midwest. Each painting is an invitation to see beyond the surface, to discover the bold beauty that surrounds us.