"Sunset Explosion" 12 x 16 x 1.5" Oil on Canvas

Some of you may know that I spent many years creating and cultivating a collection of what has become known as "visionary art".  So, why the sudden change in style?

Well, I will be honest and share my story with you.  A few years ago, I hit a wall in my creative process, and experienced the dreaded "artist's block" that creatives tend to face at some point in their journey.  I felt stuck and tapped out of creative inspiration and resources, and pigeon holed by the narrow and very specific style I created for myself of profound concepts and hyper detailed designs.  I even felt overwhelmed by feeling the need to create like that, and the projected expectations that I put on myself.

Sometimes we just need to step back, reassess, and simplify.  I have always loved hiking, camping, and being out in nature.  Any of my friends who have gone out hiking with me can attest to the fact that I take a zillion photos when out, so I tend to be a bit of a slow poke... sorry friends! ;)~

I take so many photos while adventuring, because I have always intended to use them as reference for painting.  Throughout this journey, I have also discovered my love for photography.  It runs in the family!
 
I love to get inspired by other artist's work, and my most recent inspirations have been of artists who paint loose impressionistic landscape paintings.  As an artist who has had a tendency to paint with hyper detail, I always admired the painters who could paint very loosely, yet still maintain realism.  Like a dancer who performs every move very fluidly, these masterful painters make it look so easy!
 
So, when the pandemic hit, I decided to pick up a palette knife and start painting from the huge library of photos I have taken over my many years of adventures.  I love the palette knife, because it forces me to paint loosely, and prevents me from getting caught up in detail.  It is actually very liberating and quite fun.  I began to start out with very small paintings, so that I could get my groove back, and practice the new skill.

I think it's safe to say that I've got my groove back!  I know that eventually with practice, I will be able to merge these new techniques and style with my visionary style.  In fact, I'm bursting with ideas, and I can't wait to share them with you as my journey unfolds!