I take an expressive approach in my paintings with bold color and texture, seeking to tell dramatic stories of both awe-inspiring landscapes, as well as scenes from “the everyday” which are often overlooked. Working primarily in oil, I often bring in textured paper and cold wax as a part of my layering process. I consider my paintings to be “snapshots” of a particular view, integrating elements of imagination and sensations felt from a particular environment during a specific point in time. I seek to give a glimpse into not only what is seen, but also what is perceived. "Sugarscape" is inspired by a recent trip to Sedona, AZ, during a hike called the Sugarloaf Loop. It was the day before my birthday, and I had a mental "Breakthrough" in the clear desert air that this year I would try to focus on and appreciate the present, like the incredible scene that stretched before me.