My oil paintings are deeply rooted in realism, inviting me to fully immerse myself in the subject. When I paint, I disappear into the moment—feeling, thinking, and questioning every detail: how a muscle moves, how hair lies upon it, how an animal might be feeling or what it could be thinking. Although I often begin with a planned composition and structure, once I establish the values and atmospheric setting, I allow the painting to guide me intuitively. My creative process balances careful observation with the soulful act of applying paint to canvas.

The selection of my subject matter is deliberate and patient. I spend countless hours studying photographs of animals until one seizes my attention and compels me to envision translating it into paint. This decision is often sparked by the light and how it interacts with the animal, highlighting textures and contours. More than that, it is the emotion I experience when encountering a particular animal that draws me into a scene and invites me to explore it more deeply.

My inspiration stems from the intricate textures of life—the hair, fur, skin, nails, bones and spirit that define each individual. Imagining drawing these textures pulls me into the painting process, urging me to capture the essence of a specific animal.

My technique is characterized by the completion of many layers over extended periods. I build color, form, and light gradually, often adding, subtracting, and adding again. Throughout this process, I step back frequently to view the work from a distance, constantly observing, reflecting, and challenging myself to improve the painting. This method, grounded in time and patience, allows the work to evolve organically and ultimately brings forth something unique and true to the subject.