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 work primarily in oil. I love how it feels to mix the paint (kind of like making mud pies as a kid...) and like the many techniques, wet into wet, dry brush, palette knife, etc. that it lends itself too. It is also the easiest medium to frame, since it requires no mat or glass. I also paint with acrylics and pastels, which I enjoy for the layering effects you can use. Sometime I'd like to try sculpting.

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

I'm usually drawn to a scene with strong contrast, although I'm a sucker for a serpentine line that can lead your eye into the painting.

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

I usually make a quick thumbnail sketch in a small sketchbook before I get started. It helps me remember the original idea for painting when I get distracted by all details. It also helps prevent compositional disasters.

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

I prefer to stand because I need to walk back from my painting to assess my work as I go along.

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

At a paintout this summer I saw a lovely palette knife painting by Fiona Corn that inspired me to give it a try. I like the way it forces me to simplify shapes and look at the big picture.

Though most of us prefer working outdoors, do you prefer a studio where you live or maintaining a separate space? Why?

I have a studio in my house, which I prefer because I don't have to waste time traveling to and fro.

What does your studio look like?

It's a large room with four large windows and a glass door with a southern exposure. The light changes during the day, which is sometimes interesting, sometimes frustrating. I have several shelves mounted on the walls to hold works in progress, a bookcase to hold photographs and art magazines, my easel, a kitchen card on which I put my palette, and three tables. Underneath them are boxes of frames.

What helps create an inspiring environment for you? (either in your studio or an outdoor location)

I prefer to paint outside, as long as it's not too cold---My hands go numb pretty easily---although I see my studio as a refuge and look forward to working there, especially this time of year.

Do you listen to music when you are painting? Have a TV on? If yes, what are your favorites? Do you use an ipod when painting outdoors? Or do you prefer silence?

I always listen to music in my studio, usually classical or folk/acoustic style "chic music." When I'm outside, I prefer to listen to the birds and ambient noise----unless there are a lot of people around, and then I'll put on my ipod.

Do you have a family pet that keeps you company when painting? Either indoors or out?

My dog, Dottie, follows me down to my studio every morning. She goes into her crate for a nap as soon as I turn on the music. I haven't taken her with me outside. She's a beagle mix, and would want to chase or bark at everything that passed by.