One brilliantly colored maple leaf rests on decaying forest debris which takes on an almost abstract quality.

I loved the contrast when I happened upon this one gorgeous orange maple leaf resting on the decaying wood. So simple but containing a wealth of subtle, gorgeous colors and textures. I'm alway amazed at the beauty in the woods even among the things that are dead and returning to the earth.

I start my canvas with a watercolor pen sketch of my subject matter. These sketches are usually not very detailed. Detail and depth of color are developed slowly with layer upon layer of oil paint. I find as I paint that I will naturally augment contrasts in color, play with the color. Color has such power and an ability to communicate.