What is your medium now? (oils, acrylic, pastel, watercolor...) What medium have you always wanted to use, but haven't yet? What mediums have you used in the past? Why do you prefer your current medium?

I paint in oil, acrylic, and pastel, but acrylic is my "all terrain vehicle" medium. I prefer it for plein air work because it can be driven across almost any kind of support with minimum preparation, including paper, and can be used in an opaque or transparent technique. I carry water instead of turps, and I need not worry about wet canvases becoming random works of abstract art on their way from the field to my studio.

I've been interested in trying casein, a medium I have never experienced.

Do you think the specific art materials you use are critical to the success of your work? If so, why?

No, I like to switch-hit with different media from time to time so that I do not become too dependent on any one medium. My most critical art materials are my eyes and my heart, and I have only to look at the exquisite interpretations of nature on the cave walls at Lascaux to remind myself of this. (I do not, however, recommend cave walls as a plein air support unless you have an extraordinarily sturdy easel.)

On the monthly paintouts, how do you decide what to paint? What draws your eye to a particular scene?

Unless there is a particularly compelling sky or atmospheric mood, I usually find myself drawn to the more intimate motifs in the landscape- - the alleyways, courtyards, individual trees, or riffles in a stream, rather than the grander vista.

Do you do preliminary sketches before painting your subject? In a sketchbook? Or directly on the canvas or paper? Why?

I always carry a sketchbook, so that I don't miss something interesting or forget an idea that the muse has gifted to me (which, having a perverse sense of humor, she prefers to do at otherwise inopportune moments). However, on plein air outings I usually dive into the painting without preliminary sketching, since the light can change quickly, and too many preliminaries can engage that annoying little "inner critic" before my intuition has had its chance to dance.

What colors are on your palette? Why?

My basic palette comprises: titanium white, cadmium yellow light, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, cadmium red, quinacridone red, ultramarine blue, and cerulean blue. Occasionally, I will add quinacridone violet or dioxazine purple to the line-up, since nature's brighter violets and purples are almost impossible to mix from other pigments. Greens, however, I always mix from other pigments, since I have yet to find a tube green that works for me.

Do you prefer wood, glass or paper for your palette surface?Why?

For acrylic I use a Stay-Wet palette, which keeps the colors moist. It also can be conveniently sealed and carried home without the colors drying out or making random artistic statements of their own in my easel box or backseat upholstery.

Do you prefer to sit or stand when you are painting? Why?

It depends on the subject. Usually I stand, but sometimes a low viewpoint offers a more interesting composition and I'll sit on the ground.

What new art techniques have you discovered this year that have influenced your work?

The year is young, and I'm always open to new ideas and techniques.

When do you know a painting is really finished? Or are you always wanting to "tweak"t it a bit more?

I try to take frequent breaks, particularly when working in the studio, so that I can forestall the impulse to overwork a piece. I've also learned that if I'm the least bit hesitant about that additional brushstroke then it probably is for a good reason.

What plein air supplies do you recommend having in your car for spontaneous painting?

Spontaneous plein air painting is a rare luxury for me. I do keep a checklist with my easel box, so that I don't forget anything important (particulary the mundane necessities such as paper towel, water, and a bag of M&Ms), when I'm off on a painting trip. Particularly exciting compositions and light effects often occur, however, when I'm out hiking, biking, or on some other adventure. For these gifts of nature I am prepared with my sketchbook and a full set of artist quality colored pencils, organized by hue, so that I don't miss out. The pencils are quick, clean, and colorful- - traits that most of us would find desirable in a travelling companion.