Artist Statement

I am an architectural and children’s book illustrator who primarily works with watercolor and soft pastels. My work is narrative-driven, often with hidden details that reward the keen viewer. I have always been drawn to the juxtaposition of nature and architecture. Humanity’s presence within the natural landscape is significant to my work, both for its aesthetic qualities and for what it suggests about our treatment of the environment. No matter if I’m working in watercolor or pastels, realistic or more impressionistic, I want to create a space that the viewer feels they could enter and inhabit.

When illustrating architecture I like to focus on accuracy and structure with a strong sense of realism. Although I prefer working from direct observation whenever possible, photographs allow me to study architectural details with a level of precision that informs the finished composition. For children’s illustration, I like to capture a feeling of whimsy with a soft, earthy color palette. These illustrations are looser than my architectural work, focusing more on the expression and experience of the characters in the story than a realistic environment.

Like many, illustration was my first introduction to the art world. My early work focused heavily on princesses, fairies, knights, and monsters. Every additional detail built a richer world for the viewer to explore. The communication of the story to others was as significant as the story itself. In my current work, I strive to create art that encourages and rewards viewers for close engagement, drawing them closer into an imaginative space.