My paintings are colorful and full of light. I achieve drama, in part, through the juxtaposition of darks and shadows against lighter values, with highlights carefully placed at the very end of the painting process. Some of my favorite colors are those in the purple and lavender family. I find that the use of lavender, especially in shadows, often brings out the warmth and radiance of light. This is such a metaphor for life, really, for it is often when we have traveled through difficulties that we appreciate the good things around us even more. It is the contrast that makes the joy sweeter.

My artistic exploration continues to move toward a more impressionistic and painterly approach. In recent floral pieces and landscapes, I have experimented with techniques that create depth of field, soften less important passages, and draw greater attention to the focal point. I find the results exciting and am motivated to continue developing these ideas in future work.

I am a very visual person and am deeply moved by what I see. I notice and am affected by the beauty, patterns, and design woven throughout creation. Whether I am painting, filming a Pastel Tapas video, writing, or developing one of my creative projects, I am drawn to those moments that invite us to slow down and truly observe. I have always been that way, so creating is a natural outgrowth of a lifetime of feeling inspired.

That is how the world around me and my art take on meaning. I paint what moves me—the relationships, forms, colors, and light that bring a scene into focus. The created world is a testament to the fact that God loves us so much that He has given us this beauty for our enjoyment. My artwork, videos, and creative projects, including my book Fur Sure, are a humble offering to His majesty and greatness. They are a natural out-flowing of my own experiences and, I hope, a window through which others may experience the blessings and gifts of the beauty that surrounds us.

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