My studio is my happy place. I have a lot of inspiration surrounding me here in Maine, including 3 cats that like to get on top
of my work.

When I start a new painting, I don’t have any idea of what I am going to create. I usually start with some pencil marks letting my feelings of that day lead the way. To keep the momentum going I quickly begin to apply some paint that I’ve pre-mixed and enjoy working with. I create interesting shapes that start to give the panel balance and a very loose direction. These shapes and colors come and go during my sanding and scraping process. I love this stage. It gives me, and my work, energy and excitement. It takes several layers of sanding and repainting to get to a place I love. Sometimes it needs more but I’m not sure where to go with it. The best thing to do at this point is to stop and revisit it in the morning with my coffee, move on to another painting, or take a walk down Millay Road.

My work is a combination of paint, found paper and type. These elements are a reflection of the years I spent as a graphic designer and quilter. I work for days and sometimes weeks on a painting. It takes many layers to finally see what’s been hiding and developing come to fruition. I love that moment! This is why I paint. For that rush of happiness.

Now for the home stretch. I apply a gloss medium for depth, then seal it with a wax medium that dampens the shine. It gives the piece a soft, rich matte texture that makes it hard not to reach out and touch it.