The sense of aliveness I reveal in my work is a function of my sensitivity to the presence of air and the specific quality of light as essential elements of the composition.  During the process of layering and modulating the paint, I strive for luminous, complex color statements.  All techniques are employed – establishing chiaroscuro, direct laying in with a loaded brush, scraping down, re-establishing contours and dragging color over color, until the image produces that 'aha!' response in me –– when the sensation I first had when encountering the subject re-emerges.  Sometimes this happens quickly and sometimes it takes much time.  I strive for clarity and freshness; I value spontaneity and the appearance of spontaneity even when a picture is a sustained work.