THE NATURAL WORLD
This collection is an exploration of the environments around us—from expansive horizons down to the quietest details of life. Working both out in the elements and back in the studio, these paintings are my way of practicing deep presence and curiosity. Whether capturing the shifting light of a Michigan landscape, the structure of a winter forest, or the unique spirit of a living creature, each piece is an investigation into color, texture, and connection
EN PLEIN AIR
Initiated by the immersive Plein Air Live global event during the pandemic, my outdoor practice began with a singular, intimate study of my own backyard. This sparked a vital shift in my workflow, prompting me to step out of the studio and into the landscape. Painting directly within the natural environment activates a heightened sensory awareness that studio work alone cannot replicate. Each piece in this collection represents a practice of deep presence—capturing the immediate shift of light, weather, and atmosphere. These works serve both as standalone records of direct observation and as the foundational references for larger, reflective studio translations.
ARBOREAL STUDIES
This collection represents a intentional period of artistic growth, pushing the boundaries of my technique toward looser, more gestural expressions of form. Moving away from strict representation, these studies embrace an abstract sensibility, allowing color palette and texture to lead the conversation. This evolutionary leap is deeply inspired by the contemporary mastery of Josef Kote and Michelle Courier, both of whom I look to for their brilliant interplay of light and stroke. Having had the privilege of studying directly under Courier, her profound mentorship in landscape painting and color theory fundamentally shaped my understanding of the canvas. These works are joyful, uninhibited explorations—a direct testament to her enduring impact on my practice and my ongoing desire to push the boundaries of surface and light.
SPRING | FLOURISH SERIES
This series celebrates spring not merely as a change in season, but as a profound state of transition and impending abundance. Driven by a fascination with the potential energy held quietly in winter’s hibernation, these works capture the precise threshold where stillness transforms into growth. Rooted in themes of presence and curiosity, the collection invites the viewer to notice the subtle, awakening signs of life before they fully burst forth. This body of work was originally created for the Mastrius Flourish exhibition, exploring the literal and conceptual meaning of renewal.
GEOGRAPHIES OF LIGHT
I find myself constantly drawn to painting landscapes and skyscapes. It is always the color that pulls me in first, presenting a beautiful challenge to capture those fleeting moments on canvas. Working across both studio painting and outdoor observation, I am fascinated by how changing light transforms the mood and atmosphere of a place. Through layers of paint and texture, these pieces are an exploration of the environments around me and an investigative study of light meeting land.
WINTER
I find inspiration in all of the seasons, deeply appreciating each one for its unique characteristics. However, winter holds a distinct place in my practice, especially in how it transforms the water and land. It is the season where everything strips away, allowing you to see the true bones and structures of the world. The landscape during these months offers incredible reflective light, and there is a quiet magic when snowflakes dance around you in the open air. Through texture and layered paint, this series explores that stark, structural beauty and the quiet atmosphere of the winter environment.
ANIMALIA
This collection explores the animal kingdom through a diverse range of processes, shifting between traditional painting, printmaking, and mixed media. Rather than sticking to a single method, each piece is an investigation into different surfaces and textures—utilizing everything from acrylics and colored pencils to monoprints and layered tissue paper to bring the unique spirit of these creatures to life. As you explore the gallery, you will see how these varying mediums translate into different stories, from lighthearted illustrations to and symbolic narratives.
A central piece in this collection is The Lioness and the Ebony Lamb. This symbolic painting explores themes of guidance and identity, depicting the divine taking a gentle, protective female form. She is shown nurturing a young lamb who is on a personal journey, searching for a true sense of self and a place within a community.
A central piece in this collection is The Lioness and the Ebony Lamb. This symbolic painting explores themes of guidance and identity, depicting the divine taking a gentle, protective female form. She is shown nurturing a young lamb who is on a personal journey, searching for a true sense of self and a place within a community.
THE HATCHLING
Lately, I have thought a lot about painting the natural world and being more observant. Years ago, my daughter found a baby bird and we tried our best to save it. It lived with us for a few days but ultimately did not make it, and we buried it by our pond. The image of that bird stayed with me for a long time. To work through it, I made many studies and paintings using videos and photos we had taken.
As I painted, the image began to haunt me less and less. Still, every time I look at this final painting, I feel a bit raw and fragile—just like the bird itself. I completed the piece by physically sewing a nest in a circle right around the bird. The shadows created by the thread are a very important part of the work; they serve as a sort of portal, and a quiet hope that a safe nest exists for it beyond this plane of existence.
As I painted, the image began to haunt me less and less. Still, every time I look at this final painting, I feel a bit raw and fragile—just like the bird itself. I completed the piece by physically sewing a nest in a circle right around the bird. The shadows created by the thread are a very important part of the work; they serve as a sort of portal, and a quiet hope that a safe nest exists for it beyond this plane of existence.
