My art work is mostly inspired by nature.  I often carry my camera with me to capture unique patterns of bark, certain arrangements of leaves, or a beautiful flower.  I then use these photographs to develop my compositions.   Typically, I end up changing the colors, spaces, or backgrounds in my compositions.  I enjoy using bright colors and filling in areas with either flat colors or breaking it up into patterns.

I have found that combining the outdoors with a modern twist can be difficult for some to appreciate.  Being from rural Pennsylvania, most of my family and friends are interested in realistic artwork.  I will tackle one from time to time, but it's not where my heart is.  It is my experience as an art teacher that constantly reminds me that not everyone has to like a piece of art and that it's all up to the individual viewer.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God had done from the beginning to end."

ECCLESIASTES 3:11 NIV