I often see the resemblance of a beautiful landscape, a group of mysterious figures, imaginary faces and objects while gazing into the smudge marks of charcoal on my paper. Initially, my entire focus will be on creating the most beautiful shapes that I can imagine. From there a yet unknown subject will emerge from the shadows. Artists have sometimes said that the painting will paint itself and that, the artist must become a good listener to hear what it has to say. This I aspire to within my own work. Art allows me the freedom to discover myself. With pencil or soft pastel, I draw imaginary horses, attempting to capture their spirit and movements within only a few swiftly drawn lines. I simplify and even distort the form to reveal its true essence. Realism I save for my portrait work. And although, my preliminary designs are often created digitally, I prefer the feel of real paint and brush in hand for my finished work.