Inspiration

Most of my works are derived from the beauty and richness of nature. Consequently, my abstracts reflect the serenity of losing one’s self in nature’s stunning pigmented colors. I attempt to capture the gentle movements of nature, be it wind or light, hoping that viewers are temporarily distracted from the grind of daily life.

I rarely go into my studio with a clearly defined outcome in mind.  Rather, I tend to visualize emotions, themes, or movements that I would like to capture.  

I am also inspired by those around me, especially friends and mentors. Obtaining feedback from customers likewise sparks a creative endeavor.  

Fluid Art Technique

Fluid art originated in the 1930s; Jackson Pollock is perhaps the best known fluid artist.  I work mostly with acrylics, which are mixed with a thinning medium and poured onto a canvas. The flowing paint is then manipulated into the desired design.  Brushes are rarely used; paint is manipulated with forced air, heat guns, chains, strings, and other non-traditional methods. 

Fluid art is not a random process; outcome is guided by an understanding of the physics and chemistry of paints including paint density, viscosity, reflective properties, pigmentation, and texture. The entire work must come together before the paint begins to dry.  At best, I have up to three hours to complete the work. Consequently, I devote considerable time in planning and preparing paint mixtures.  

When I paint with visual cues, it is often a sketch with shapes, color notations, and specific acrylic properties (e.g., matte, metallic, gloss, heavy body, etc.) Once paint is poured onto a canvas, I manipulate the paint into the desired abstract image. Most often, my “brush” is an air gun, strings, chains, and palate knives.

career highlights

I have received three awards in curated exhibits. Within the  past several years, my art has been featured in both solo and group shows. I I’m a member of The Alexandria Art League as well as a member of Gallery 75, exhibiting works there on a regular basis. Both galleries are located in Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory, a thriving art center that houses 80 studios. I am also a member or the Arlington Artists Alliance and have been recently curated as one of 30 exhibiting artists at its Gallery Underground, which was recently voted as the best art gallery in Arlington, Virginia.  In July, I entered a very competitive process and was accepted as an Artist in Residence at the famed Torpedo Factory Art Center. 

At any given time, I have approximately six to eight works featured in competitive art exhibits along with conducting workshops on Fluid Art techniques.