I am a scientist by
training but our move to Merced a decade ago unleashed a
deep desire to paint. The quality of the light, coupled with the
colorful multicultural aspect of the surroundings and the agricultural
scenes of everyday life became my inspiration. I am drawn to the stories of the people, places, cultures and traditions of The Valley. I weave these stories into my paintings in the hope that the viewer may also find them interesting.
I have been able
to draw for as long as I can remember but the process of
painting took some years to learn. I am primarily a self-taught artist:
my previous profession as a research scientist allows me to approach
each painting with experimentation in mind. With more experience, my
style has evolved from a strictly realistic approach to a more abstract
realism. I also enjoy painting in an entirely abstract manner.
Although
I work in various media including acrylic, watercolor and soft pastel
for painting, and charcoal, pen and pencil for drawing, my primary
medium is acrylic paint. I find the degree of freedom offered by
acrylics and the associated gels and mediums to be very satisfying.
There is much room for challenge and growth. The excitement that art
gives me I try to pass along to others through teaching and
demonstrations. I have taught school children throughout Merced County
since 2005 through the Merced County's ARTREE program and I have given
many demonstrations at the Merced County Fair as well as at various
community events.
I have been a member of the Contemporary
Humanitarian Artists Association (CHAA) since 2007 and a member of the
Arbor Gallery since 2010. I have participated in numerous group shows
with both CHAA and the Arbor Gallery. My first solo exhibition titled
"Hands Merced County" was shown in 2012 at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center.
Hands Merced County - Solo Show June - Sept 2012
Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Merced, California
"Electric Blue" from the "I've Got the Music in Me" Show
Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Merced, California
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