I’m drawn to moments that might pass unnoticed. My paintings usually begin with a photograph I’ve taken. I’ll scroll through my photo library until something calls me to paint it. In fact, I have an album called Paint it which holds everyday moments that catch my attention: a person, a landscape, interesting light, or simply a feeling I don’t want to lose.

When I decide to paint it, I begin with the reference photo. Once I have it blocked in, I put the reference away and let shape, color, value and composition guide the painting. I’m always asking whether the painting is finished — if one more brush stroke will make it better or worse, or if there is anything left to take away.

Before becoming a painter, I worked as a graphic designer. That experience continues to influence my work, giving me an appreciation for composition, color, and the power of reducing an image to its essential elements.