Although my work has gradually evolved over the past 25 years, there is an elusive and non-verbal essence that is very persistent. The recurring combinations of forms, while not autobiographical or illustrative of a story or aesthetic theory, do carry meaning and evoke an emotional response. In my effort to understand them, I have noted a few recurring themes.

Architectonic
These watercolors suggest contemporary structural forms, somewhere between sculpture and architecture represented on a 2-D surface. They may be called "architectonic" because of their apparent structural connections and supports, and their many rectilinear shapes, rising against gravity from an implied horizontal ground line. These paintings are not, however, depictions, illustrations, or deconstructions of any existing forms. They are newly synthesized, invented images meant to suggest not only structure, balance, and solidity but also subtlety, vitality, discovery, and optimism.

Simultaneity
These works also deal with the theme of discernment, set against the balance of simplicity and complexity. At first glance you often see a single central image set in front of a "background". With more study, complexities begin to reveal themselves. Relationships among colors, lines and shapes begin to shift. (Is a certain color-shape part of the foreground "object" or part of the "background"? What is the boundary or perimeter of the dominant shape?) Depending upon how you look at one color-shape and the shapes next to it, their spatial relationships may at first appear one way, then another, and both can be "correct". The coexistence of multiple and simultaneous realities is an important, core element of these works.

Relationships
The conscious study of shifting abstract visual relationships can serve as a metaphor of the awareness and discernment needed when formulating opinions and values in our lives. Our choices can not always be seen as black and white; they often involve more complex grey areas. What may appear simple on the surface is often complex when you dig deeper. Sustained study and reflection is required in order to understand, sort out, and judge information and relationships. And this process of development and discovery can be an enjoyable, invigorating venture. The "realities" in our lives deserve our best thinking and feeling.

Technique:
The paintings in this gallery are all watercolors. They are based on preparatory studies done in collage. The collage process allows an image to evolve: spontaneous and intuitive changes can be made as the structure and composition develop. The collage process also generates new combinations of colors and textures. The basic composition of the collage study is then drawn onto watercolor paper and the painting begins. Sometimes the watercolor remains quite similar to the original study; sometimes the painting may take another direction. When the painting process begins, each image is constantly re-evaluated on its own, apart from the preparatory studies.