Working on location "en plein air" is the best way to really feel the landscape and to understand it.  I try to work on the same site with the same kind of weather conditions if possible.  Larger formal studio paintings I use plein air studies, sketches and occassional photo referencing to complete the landscape.  

These plein-air works  are quick 3-4 hour studies.  Sometimes completed in the same day sometimes worked on in consecutive days if the weather conditions are the same.  They are done in the field and are alla prima with  minimal adjustments in the studio. Sometimes used as reference for larger more finished paintings but also considered finished pieces in their own right.

Still life paintings have always fascinated me.  I love the works of the 17th c. Dutch masters, Chardin, Manet.   I hope to create a believable sense of space,  three-dimensionality, and descriptive textures.  The landscape drawings shown here are ivestigative studies which are helpful especially when composing larger sustained paintings. 

I have always enjoyed working from the figure.  I belong two several different open drawing/painting groups to keep my drawing skills fresh.  I continue to draw inspiration from my family and friends who are the models for my figurative work. I am a member of the  Maryland Society of Portrait Painters