Artist Statement

The Human Figure is the most recognizable subject in the world. As soon as we are born we are instinctively programed to recognize certain facial characteristics such as eyes, nose, and mouth. Yet as an artist one of the most difficult challenges we can face is depicting the figure in a realistic manner that captures the essence and mood of each person. Jacob Collins once said " I wanted to pour all my energy into the greatest challenge a painter can face. There is nothing more difficult to paint. To paint the figure clearly and simply, with beauty and strength, to paint the humanity inside the person through their outer body is the hardest and greatest goal. To paint with the skill of past masters while still feeling fresh, to paint anatomical forms that feel alive, to paint a head that feels like it is full of thoughts, is to jump into the world of great figure painters of times past."
This semester I have devoted all my time and energy into capturing the human spirit through various mediums. Painting in oils gives me the opportunity and freedom to chose the level of richness I put into each piece.