Fine Artist
Self Portrait
20" x 16"
2024
Graphite pencil on newsprint paper
In this self-portrait I am enveloped in dim chiaroscuro lighting of Renaissance. My eyes are cast forward with a a quiet yet profound sense of optimism for my future and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Cicero (completed)
24" x 18"
2024
Graphite pencil on bristol paper
Drawing from plaster casts is a constructive way to learn about the structure of the human head. In this piece, I start to add the background as a reference for the value scale of the whole work. I’m very grateful to have access to my art school’s extensive plaster cast collection to experience what artists through the centuries have learned from.
Still Life with Marigolds and Lilies
8" x 5"
2024
Graphite pencil on bristol paper
I painted this still life from life in my art studio. We were able to set up our own arrangements from a selection of antique vases, and fresh flowers. I chose to paint marigolds (joy) and lilies (purity) to represent the joy of natures beauty on earth, and the peace in divine beauty.
Onward
18" x 24"
2024
Graphite pencil on bristol paper
These thumbnail sketches feature me and versions of my future self in various poses and expressions that explore varied emotional tones and lighting effects. I love classical art, so I wanted to achieve dramatic lighting but chose to use more modern neon colors and forms.
Portrait Study from Observation
24" x 18"
2023
Graphite pencil on newsprint paper
I am working very hard to understand the core principles of light and shadow. I start by building the underlying form, then observe how light casts across the surface of the subject.
Cicero (WIP)
24" x 18"
2023
Graphite pencil on bristol paper
Drawing from plaster casts is a constructive way to learn about the structure of the human head. In this piece, I start to add the background as a reference for the value scale of the whole work. I’m very grateful to have access to my art school’s extensive plaster cast collection to experience what artists through the centuries have learned from.
Portrait of a Woman
24" x 18"
2023
Graphite pencil on newsprint paper
This piece helped me to understand how the terminator line moves through the form and divides light and shadow. The terminator line only exists because of the presence of reflected light.
Cicero
24" x 18"
2023
Graphite pencil on bristol paper
Drawing from plaster casts is a constructive way to learn about the structure of the human head. In this piece, I start to add the background as a reference for the value scale of the whole work. I’m very grateful to have access to my art school’s extensive plaster cast collection to experience what artists through the centuries have learned from.
Otherworldly Audience
24" x 18"
2021
Gouache on toned paper
This is a self-portrait I created showing my personal interests. I’m very curious about mythology, astrology, and the history of art. Everyday ideas are spiraling around me and I feel like I’m transported to another time and place when I keep learning about them. Each area of my being becomes electrified with color and mystery. To create rhythm, I used collage to figure out my composition. I could move each element independently to see if the layout was balanced.
Harmony of the Earth’s Spirits
24" x 18"
2021
Gouache on toned paper
Nature has a way of showing us its underlying pattern and structure effortlessly. I wanted to create a piece that shows the harmony of all of its elements. I hope that humanity can eventually take cues from nature to ensure a healthy and symbiotic future for our planet.
A Mother’s Love
24" x 18"
2021
Gouache on toned paper
For me, nature is a mirror to a mother’s love and nurturing characteristics. This is a painting of not only nature but also my mom. I am very grateful to have her and she is extremely important to me. She supports me in everything I do and I know that is very special.
Part 1: The Goddess’s Sword in the Volcano
11” x 16”
2021
Gouache on toned paper
This painting depicts a monumental volcanic island ruled by a tyrant god. On the left, we can see that sometimes the island is fertile and welcoming, but at other times it can be destructive and inhospitable.
Part 2: Courageous Journey
11” x 16”
2021
Gouache on toned paper
In this piece, I show a girl on a journey of discovery to save her people. Their island has been destroyed by an unruly god who has begun to scorch every inch of their homeland. I placed the girl in her boat in the middle and the start of the island’s destruction beyond her. She leaves what is comfortable and familiar on the left, but starts to move away from the tragedy on the right.
Part 3: Heavenly Island
11” x 16”
2021
Gouache on toned paper
A procession of scattered boats guides the rhythm of the composition. I wanted this piece to feel hopeful, happy, and relieving. The girl and her family have found a new home without a tormenting god. Nature is bountiful here and draws them in closer.
Our Beautiful Planet
18” x 24”
2020
Gouache on bristol paper
The health of our planet is so important, even the parts that tourists visit infrequently. The painting shows the upper part of a mountain far from civilization in morning dew.
Colorful Fruit
18" x 24"
2020
Gouache on bristol paper
This still life was really fun to paint. I was challenged to enhance the colors and change the background while maintaining accurate light and shadow. It was very difficult but an exercise I do often now.
A Peaceful Moment Alone
11"x 14"
2021
Gouache on toned paper
I focused mainly on large masses of light and shadow, as well as capturing depth through adding blue into the trees farther away from us. In art class, we learn a lot about atmospheric perspective. I really liked painting nature during COVID because it helped to take my mind away from everything and transport myself somewhere sunny. This piece was inspired by an old master’s painting.
Animating Objects
18" x 24"
2020
Gouache on toned paper
I wanted to paint these grapes as if there were beginning to come to life. Art is really interesting because I can give a story to anything or object.
Classical Design
16” x 11”
2021
Gouache on bristol paper
I used very neutral colors both warm and cool to add a sense of nostalgia. I really like this piece because I was able to capture the values of the still life I was painting successfully. Doing this adds depth, and you don’t always need every detail. Sometimes less is more.
Study of Water and Light
11” x 16”
2020
Gouache on toned paper
I like to create paintings that have a story that transport you to a new time, but are also technically accurate. I feel that being able to understand light and shadow allows me to be more articulate with the feeling I’m trying to show.
Cicero
24" x 18"
2023
Graphite pencil on bristol paper
Drawing from plaster casts is a constructive way to learn about the structure of the human head. In this piece, I start to add the background as a reference for the value scale of the whole work. I’m very grateful to have access to my art school’s extensive plaster cast collection to experience what artists through the centuries have learned from.
6” x 8” x 4”
2021
Mixed Media Sculpture
In this piece, I wanted to combine my passion for writing and my passion for art together. I began by freewriting on some painting paper that I had in my room. These free writing/poems reflected on the current state of the world and how current events will have a major impact on our futures. Many of us have been told that we are too young to have an opinion on global issues, but we are the most concerned because decisions being made now can ensure, or destroy the possibility for us to live somewhat peaceful lives. We want ecological stability, social equity and so much more.
I began to feel frustrated, so I decided to fragment my pages of freewriting by cutting and bending them. After this, I wanted to create a “drawing in space” or “sketchbook in space” by turning these pieces into a painted sculpture that reveals small portions of writing the more the viewer looks at them. At the same time, I usually work with realism, so I wanted to experiment with abstraction and create a balanced composition using shape, color, and line.