How did my artist journey start? The first time I painted, I felt an amazing rush as the emotions and images were taking shape on the canvas. Over the years, I’ve realized it’s not always that easy – some days multiple paintings seem to pour out of me while other days I think my work feels like just scratch marks. I have come to appreciate the journey of creating art as a type of therapeutic exercise that can teach patience, bring great joy, and inspiration.

I have an ongoing internal creative dialogue with myself– thoughts and flashes of images and colors – all blending together and moving around. Of course, they are swayed by how I’m feeling at any given moment, which is why I view abstract paintings as a manifestation of emotions. I have always loved the freedom of creating and interpreting abstract art. The way abstract art captures different emotions and memories is so alluring and fascinating to me.

I have found gardening to be a great inspiration: all the colors of nature next to each other and so beautiful. The inspiration comes from the beauty of flowers, but also from the tranquility derived from working with the plants and earth. As I reflect on my paintings, I see a couple of series that have developed. A study on the cross-section of a forest, a fantastic blend of colors evoking a huge blend of multicolored flower petals, and an abstract landscape capturing my emotions in color.

Over the years, a quote from Saint Francis de Sales continues to resonate with me “Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself”. I seem to tell myself this frequently and it has become my go-to advice on many occasions when friends seek help. It seems this patience has allowed my mind and soul to develop the thoughts and emotions that inspire me to create this work of art. My passion for creating abstract art compels me to paint every day. My greatest joy is completing a painting that reflects that passion and being able to share that passion with you.