In early childhood, my love affair with the face began. Studying paintings of the Masters, I learned with pen and sketchpad how to recreate the facial structure and the subtle quality of facial expression. It wasn’t until later, as a makeup artist, that I learned to change how a face appears with shading and highlights. I returned to my native Philadelphia after nearly 20 years working as a film and television makeup artist in Los Angeles, California. While shooting on location, I was exposed to people and cultures rich in color and imagery. It was during this time, that I began to study and develop my art. After working and traveling in Africa, a passion for the tribal decorations of these proud people merged into my unique style of portraiture. I began to paint in color for the first time, and I jumped in with both feet!! The contrast between the chaotic colors of the subjects’ personal decorations and their quiet dignity are intended to draw the viewer into a world where these exhilarating colors lead to a peace within. My mediums are acrylic or oil on canvas, paper, or wood panel. Occasionally, there is a textural addition of sawdust, shredded paper, sand or eggshell. Brushes, palette knife, and latex gloves are my vehicles.
