The idea of how a landscape looks the most beautiful after a storm when the grass is vividly green, and rocks appear glossed over with varnish. This illustrates the core of my work: keeping hope through the struggles of life to find a good ending. I primarily use acrylic and oil paint, the latter of which feels like an old trusted friend, to create airy landscapes, portraits, and more abstract compositions. My process begins with a photo shoot to get a source image. From there, I may follow a straightforward path to recreate this image in paint. Other times, I lean heavily into play and intuition by building up forms and color and letting the final composition slowly emerge. Both of these methods allow me to sift through emotions and experiences. Struggle is inevitable and is represented through opposites in my work: light and dark, shadows and brilliance. However, creating art always channels positive feelings, inspired by love of life, God, and his amazing creation.