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My study of art began with the great Sergei Bongart, founder of the Russian Impressionist School. At the outset of my artistic training, we concentrated on learning how to paint still lifes. Drawing, values, color, and design were the most important elements that we learned.

Because of my love for color and flowers, especially roses, I have continued painting still lifes throughout my career. I enjoy the challenge of setting up my own selected color harmony in the painting.  It is also rewarding to use the roses from my garden that I have worked hard to cultivate.  Sometimes I add an interesting element like a small pot found in a thrift shop or a silver cup that reflects the colors surrounding it.  A transparent vase that reveals the stems of the flowers can also be fun to include.

These still life set ups are painted indoors with a strong light that emphasizes the color by creating patterns of light and shadow. Sometimes, I will paint a still life outdoors; the results are often very beautiful because of the natural light. Outdoor paintings require either working very quickly before the light changes, or planning to paint during a certain time over a period of days.

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