Second Touch Art 3.58

My earliest art memories are probably like most other artists' - Finger painting thrilled me as a kid as did paint by number! (Yes, I really said that.) I am certainly also one who "colors outside the lines". At about the age of 8 or 9, I created a turquoise toothpick sculpture that I wish I still had. I also did a pencil drawing of David Bowie in my 20s. I think I sent it to him but can't remember. Creativity has long been a way of life for me, in most any medium or form. Until March of this year, I was a web and graphic designer - creating on the technology side. I have finally reached nirvana in becoming a full time artist at the sweet young age of 63.

Statement:
I am an abstract artist specializing in creating unique art on wood panels using colorful stains. I like to think I "nurture nature" by infusing vibrant color into the grain of wood giving it new life while keeping its natural beauty.

I stain the wood using mostly just my hands to push and blend the colors. On occasion, I will use a small paint brush for detailed work. I add layers of color to create magnificent three dimensional pieces with beauty that is very hard to capture in a photograph. Photographs, even of the highest quality, do not give justice to this original art on wood. It must be seen and touched to realize its true magnificence.

I also create fluid art with liquid acrylics. The swirl and anticipation of watching each color unite with another to form a union of the unexpected is as captivating as the cells being formed from a chemical reaction.

Inspiration comes from breathtaking sunsets bursting with orange, the subtle but sublime metallic golds and coppers in Raku pottery, the magnificent Rainbow Eucalyptus tree or the beaming contrast and glitter of colorful elements of nature such as geodes.

I title my art with song titles. Music is yet another art form that fulfills me and it brings each of my pieces to another level of emotion and creativity by capturing the essence of the painting through song.