Painting is my passion, as well as spending time in nature. I am an avid birder and photographer, and often use my own material for inspiration in my artwork. I also spend time in my studio creating my own hand-made oil paints. I am inspired by the Old Masters and each painting is layered meticulously with transparent pigments similar to the Flemish and Venetian painters of the past, yet the compositions and color are quite contemporary.

Which comes first, the still life or the bird? I work from life in my painting studio, choosing antiques and handmade objects that I've collected over the years for still life material. I also gather birds nests, butterflies, fruit, leaves and branches that I find during my nature outings and from my garden. I'm constantly inspired inside and outside the studio. Once I see a particular bird that captures my fancy, I find appropriate objects for the bird to perch on from my collection. Working from life and bird photographs for reference, I compose the painting. I enjoy the juxtaposition of man-made objects contrasted with live birds and butterflies, showcasing the fragility of nature in our ever expanding world.