I am drawn to alleys, industrial sites and commercial locations where there is grit and activity. It is here that I find the geometric shapes and unexpected tension caused by shadow patterns and reflections which form the core of my work. Chicago offers so many challenges to the plein air painter. El tracks scream overhead, bridges and rivers carve up the city, demolition and construction sites abound. I paint on boards which support the aggressive use of palette knives to achieve the grit and textures these sites require. In some cases the support boards...more
