My work is linked with the common thread of women’s issues and the ever-changing role they play in society today, as seen from a purely female perspective. Brave women today are "breaking out" of the mold by making real changes in the world and their own lives. Although my paintings’ subjects can apply to any gender, I prefer to "paint what I know" and use the “unbroken” women as my main focal point.
To show this defiance of the stereotype I use surrealistic symbolism and 3 main elements to reveal their meaning: Emotion, Fashion and Nature.
I tend to have a classic style of portrait painting, while using characters that have a discreet beauty to them. Though my women may seem to have expressionless faces with staring eyes and unsmiling lips, there are still unobtrusive signs of the emotions they are trying to hold back.
My paintings incorporate plants and animals to further symbolize emotions. Usually these animals take the shape of flying creatures such as birds or insects. These each hold a different commentary reflected by their different roles in nature. A dove can symbolize peace, while wild birds represent freedom and waterfowl are typically nurturers. Insects range from "dirty" flies, innocent ladybugs, busy bees or metamorphosing butterflies discovering their own self-worth and flaunting it. I also incorporate plants to complete the mood, with colorful flowers showing feminine beauty or cactus to show defiant resilience (while also paying homage to my Arizona roots).
Fashion has also been a great influencer, specifically Victorian, Avant Garde or ballroom fashions filled with grandiose hairstyles and elaborate dresses. When incorporated into my paintings they give the viewer further tools to create the back story of the paintings’ divas. It is as true of my ladies as it is of people in the real world... their fashion choices can reveal their secrets. A guarded woman may wear nondescript clothing to blend into the background, while a confident woman may dress boldly in bright or provocative clothes. In many ways, the clothing you choose can tell the world who you want to be, which in turn can become your reality.
If you want to know the secrets of my divas, simply look at her expression, her fashion sense and her animal companion. These clues are as poignant in my paintings as they are in the world around us.
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My choice of materials to use tend to lean towards oil paints, watercolors and pen & ink. I enjoy taking occasional risks to try out new techniques, like pulp paper, tiles, or house paint. Oils are my preference though due to their ability to create flawless skin tones, which adds to the beauty of these strong, willful women.
