“Painting is a gift that I discovered about 2 decades ago. I had always heard people talking about “passions” in their lives, but I was not aware of mine. However, once I picked up a paintbrush, a new creativity began to flow and soon I couldn’t wait to begin work on each new canvas.

It brings me much joy to create each painting because I never know how it will turn out until it is completely finished. Many times, the painting just goes in the direction that it wants to go. It is interesting for me to see how a particular painting has a way of ending up with the person who was meant to have it. I believe that is the result of the fact that I pray before starting each one.

On the days that I paint, I will typically wake up inspired to paint something in particular, such as a European scene, an abstract, or a contemporary landscape. Painting is just a great way to express what is inside me.

I paint in oils because I love their rich texture. There is something special about the look of an oil painting in a beautiful frame. Looking at a painting that speaks to me has a way of uplifting my spirits, and it is my desire that my art will do the same for others.”