I’ve been focusing on landscapes as my subject for over 10 years now. Before I transitioned to this subject matter I mostly painted figures. I would often include a setting behind the person, but it was never the focal point of the painting. That changed in 2014 when I started focusing more on the landscape in my paintings.
When I traveled to Japan in 2014 I was struck by the juxtaposition of old versus new in architecture and lifestyle. For the most part I got around by walking, which allowed me to see more of the everyday life of the people who lived there than I would have by taking cabs and trains and just visiting tourist attractions. What impressed me most was how Japan’s history was still so celebrated and involved in contemporary architecture, art, and everyday life.
After that trip I dedicated a few years to creating work that was inspired by that trip. I focused on the buildings, landscapes, and people who I saw on my trip. In that collection I wanted each piece to show the beauty of the landscape and the people and to intrigue the viewer to want to see more for themselves as well.
After that series I started seeking inspiration from more local sources. I painted what I saw in South Philadelphia, Center City, West Philadelphia, and along the Schuylkill River. I’m inspired by architecture with unique colors and patterns, as well as the way colors and textures contrast and complement each other in nature. My work explores the world around me and the many beautiful and eye-catching sights I see and am inspired by, including architecture, people, and nature. I try to highlight the special moments you can see when you’re taking your time to enjoy the scenery instead of hurrying past.
In 2023 I started painting scenes inspired by my trip to Scotland the previous autumn. I was inspired by the vast landscapes. I was captivated by the moody colors, expansive vistas, and the striking contrasts between water, land, sky, and ocean. The blend of historic architecture, untouched landscapes, and lush greenery compelled me to create a series celebrating these memorable scenes. Through my work, I aim to convey a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. I hope viewers will be inspired to seek out and admire the beauty in their own surroundings.
Through all these series, and as I move forward with my current works-in-progress I continue to focus on landscapes. I am most inspired by color, texture, light and darkness, and feel that whether it is a landscape out in a remote area, like some of the ones in my Scotland series, or a cityscape that shows many different types of architecture and the evidence of humans in those spaces. There are so many obviously beautiful scenes to paint, but I really like searching for the quiet moments that I wouldn’t have seen if I just sped by without paying attention. Through my paintings I want to pass that wonder on to my viewers as well.