Portfolio of Works

New Mexico is such a large and diverse state. I love to travel around the area and paint what is in my own “back yard”. From the 4 corners area to the Sanger De Christi mountains to the to the White Sands and the high desert plains all around New Mexico, the sights and sounds are so varied and worth of shedding light and shadow on.

ODE to: paintings are a different kind of portrait.  Instead of showing someone physically, I strive to show who that person is by use of highlighting items that tell others who that person is deep down inside.  Each chosen item in the still life design tells something about the subject either by what they, themselves say or what others identify with that person.  

My own back yard.  The newest National Park in the United States.  The early morning and evening contrasts of light and shadow make the White Sands National Park one of my favorite places.  The struggle for anything to survive in such harsh surroundings is nothing short of amazing. 

Growing up in rural southern New Mexico in a family that came into this area by covered wagon in the 1880's, I spent a lot of time in ranch houses belonging to my great aunts and uncles.  Many times even in the 60's and 70's they had generator power, well water to be drawn and very simple down to earth lives.  Items in each of these paintings represent that easy going and yet determined spirit.  I hope these paintings bring to mind people and places that bring you joy as well. 

It isn't about the THINGS assembled.  Its about what jumps out of the shadow into the light at you.  What stands out?  What is the surprise?  Thats what you are looking for in a still life created to hang on your wall.  

Life in the desert.  More of my own back yard.  There is beauty everywhere, if you just find it.  In this collection, I strive to bring that beauty to life with the bright highlights and deep shadows created in the Chihuahuan desert of Southern New Mexico.