Artist's Statement

As long as I can remember, I have been sketching and drawing - always wanting to capture the beauty that nature shares with us. Of all the genres I have painted though, I believe that portraits are the closest to my heart. With each one that I paint, I have the opportunity to create a work of art that will continue to live on in timeless beauty.

From the moment I put down my first sketch on a canvas until my final brush stroke, I enjoy the excitement and anticipation that comes with the challenge of painting a portrait. Getting to know my subjects, their personalities and expressions, gives me the opportunity to bring my finished pieces to life. I have the chance to capture their feelings and emotions and incorporate them into my works of art.

Being inspired by the wonderful "Cowboy Artist" Ray Swanson, I have had the opportunity to spend time on the Navajo reservation in northern Arizona as he did. It was there that I realized "this is where my heart is". Getting to know the Navajo families and learning about their many traditions has been such an exciting and rewarding experience. I have become friends with so many beautiful people as Ray did, and I'm truely inspired to continue to preserve their beauty and traditions with the talents that God has blessed me with.

I am thankful every day that I can do something I love - creating special memories of people, places and traditions that will continue to live on for many generations to come.

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