Texture

Perhaps I was wrong: while I love colour, it is evident in my work that texture is one of my favourite elements!

In painting, I love using all forms of media to create texture, from burlap (above) to coffee grinds mixed into drywall compound or combed gesso.

I also noticed, when I was walking with the kids, the incredible texture found in tangled mass of dried berry bushes and branches. It reminded me of a Gordon Smith, a Vancouver artist who captures a similar look in some of his paintings (see link). I went to see some of his paintings in a gallery a few years ago, and it left an impression. I have tried to capture some of that same energy in some of my forest underbrush.