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 am currently working in three media: oils, watercolors and printmaking.

I enjoy painting on site with water-soluble oils, which are easily to take along while traveling. When I paint in my studio I use Gamblin oils for the greater luminosity and the richness of the color.

I enjoy the watercolors because of the spontaneity, allowing me to capture light and colors quickly. I paint on site onto lithographic plate, cut to size, and then I print it in my studio through my etching press as a watercolor monotype, and there is also the possibility of an edition.

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

Yes, because I am now using water soluble oil paints which are easier to take along when traveling, especially with air travel restrictions. In the studio I use Gamblin oils.

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

I look for the light and dark patterns in the landscape.

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

I do preliminary sketches in my sketchbook to catch the changing light and to decide on the possibilities. Then I shift to canvas and put the value pattern on the canvas with thin washes of oil paint.

What colors are on your palette? Why?

I take a simple basic palette on field trips, but in the studio I have an extended palette.

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

On-site I use an open M-box, with a palette paper surface. In the studio I have a large glass palette with a full array of colors.

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

I prefer to sit when painting on site, however in the studio I have a tall stool and I walk back and forth.

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

I recommend carrying a sketchbook and watercolors, for quick value sketches, plus a digital camera.

What time of day are you most creative? Early morning? Afternoon? Early evening? Late at night? Which season do you feel most creative? Winter, Fall, Spring, Summer? Why?

I am most creative later in the day.

I like to paint plein air in all seasons.

Critiques are always helpful, for my own work, and I find I also learn from critiquing the work of others.

I look for good composition, color relationships and essence of the subject matter.

Have you ever had a breakthrough moment that made you change how and why you do your art? What was it? How has your art changed over time?

I find it inspiring to go out, maybe during a change of season, or perhaps just after a snow storm, because the light can be so different and I can suddenly see a color, or new forms and shapes, that I've never seen before.

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