Artist Statement, dated, June 13, 2020 (paintings can be viewed on my page, PORTRAIT GALLERY WATERCOLORS):
In these paintings, I’ve decided to highlight the power of femininity. Each of my later watercolor paintings portrays a different person. I like to say a different life. In Clare#1 and Clare #2, I painted glamorous and modelesque women, using my daughter as a muse, but the paintings also show structure by how staged the women appear to be. In contrast, I also have Girl In Blue. This painting brings to life the natural beauty of women. This, of course, is the beauty that is behind the makeup, hair, and designer clothes. This is the image that we all have of our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters and friends. It brings back nostalgic memories of the backyard summer barbecue many years ago, and the parties of our young adulthood. All of these paintings come together because they show the old images of beauty, and the new. In the past, everything was structured and organized, and a woman was not considered beautiful if she had a hair out of place. We can think of this time when we look at Stella. Stella emphasizes the 1950s and 60s Hollywood glamour. While we have progressed from that time, we still continue to look back at great beauties like Joan Crawford and Marilyn Monroe. We progress to Camille. She is reminiscent of 90’s beauty. She is natural, yet glamorous. Finally, we reach Marissa. She is free and organic in her beauty. I would describe her as “every girl”. Her beauty comes from within, and glows out, rather than the artificial facade that makeup and hair presents. Throughout this walk through time of art, my main point is to show that every woman is beautiful, no matter if she is wearing makeup and expensive clothing or not. This is about showing the beauty of all women.