Nature grounds me and I think it does for many people. I work from my own photos that reveal the subject in natural light. I prefer seeing things up close to highlight my discoveries on treks through the mountains of Colorado or the beaches in Alaska. I especially enjoy the challenge of rendering the little details in a butterfly wing or the center of a flower. After many years of working in watercolor, I have found techniques that help me to render the subject realistically. Using several carefully planned layers, I attempt to recreate the three dimensional objects on the white surface of the paper. It is a delight to see these objects emerge. Music helps me to focus on the scene before me. It is a pleasant and meditative process for me as I recall the joy of my initial encounters with these beautiful vistas. It is my hope that these paintings will also bring joy to others.