i grew up on the shores of the magothy river just north of annapolis, maryland. the rhythm of the natural world was a large part of our lives. we were always outside, in the woods or on the water. when i developed an interest in art it was partnered with my interest in the natural world. it was an easy choice for me as to what i would paint. the landscape has always been the focus. the experience of working on location, when the light and weather are changing, is what i like the most.

i have lived in philadelphia since 1980. i do most of my painting locally, however twenty-five years ago i first traveled to the west coast of Ireland for a two-month fellowship at the ballinglen arts foundation. this experience had a huge impact on me and my painting. i continue to return to the ballinglen arts foundation, in county mayo ireland, to paint and teach for a month each summer. working on the west coast of ireland, with the dramatic changes of weather and coastal landscape, there is always the familiar combined with the surprise of the new. the new light, the new atmosphere and the new experiences are always right outside the door. it is this sense of the familiar coupled with the uniqueness of the moment, offered by the natural world, that intrigues me as a person and as an artist.