meet the artist

Hey everyone! So glad you're looking to learn more about my journey as an artist. Many of you might be curious about what brought me to Lemon8, and honestly, it's a desire to share beyond just the finished product. You've seen glimpses of my studio, probably noticed the wildlife-inspired pieces like those bears and wolves I love to paint, and maybe even some of my more figurative works from recent shows. But there's so much more to it than just the canvas! My journey into art wasn't a straight line, but rather a winding path influenced by everything around me. Growing up in Washington and now living in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana, it's impossible for nature not to seep into my work. My love for skiing, hiking, and just being outdoors isn't just a hobby; it's where I find the raw energy and inspiration for my wildlife art. There's something incredibly humbling about encountering a bear or a wolf in its natural habitat, and I strive to capture that power and spirit in my paintings. While many of my pieces focus on wildlife, like the powerful bears and elusive wolves you've seen in my studio, I also enjoy delving into figurative work. Those framed artworks depicting figures you might have spotted at my shows often explore human emotions and stories, a direct influence from my fascination with psychology. It's about finding the universal in the specific, whether it's the fierce independence of a mountain creature or the quiet contemplation of a human subject. When it comes to my creative process, it truly starts with observation. Before I even pick up a brush in my studio, I'm often out hiking, sketching, or simply absorbing the natural world. This initial connection is vital. Then, back in the studio, the real work begins. You've probably seen me meticulously adjusting a large artwork. This isn't just about technical precision; it’s about infusing each stroke with the emotion and truth I felt in the wild. I often layer colors, building up textures that mimic the fur of an animal or the ruggedness of a mountain landscape. It's a dance between planning and intuition. I’ve also found that my diverse interests, from history to fashion, subtly weave into my art. Thrifting isn't just a hobby; it's a way to find unique visual textures or color palettes that I might later translate into my paintings. Sometimes, a vintage fabric print might inspire a background pattern, or a historical anecdote could spark an idea for a symbolic element in a piece. It all feeds the creative well. My goal here on Lemon8 is to not just show you the finished art, but to invite you into this entire process – the inspiration, the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the simple joy of creating. Presenting at an art show, standing among those framed artworks, is a huge thrill, but connecting with you all here feels just as rewarding. I'm looking forward to sharing more behind-the-scenes glimpses of how a piece evolves from a concept to those framed artworks you see, and perhaps even some tips on finding your own artistic voice or inspiration in everyday life. So, if you're curious about the life of a Montana artist who's a bit obsessed with bears, wolves, and the great outdoors, stick around! Let's connect, share, and inspire each other!