36x24 Acrylic on Canvas

Portraits

“Big Eyes' is one of my most cherished pieces for a number of reasons. Primarily, it’s the first painting I ever made prints of. One could say this was the launching point of my art career. The first painting i'd ever done that felt like it was anything like realism. I remember when i was finishing the second eye on the painting, a friend of mine was at my studio. After asking if it was ok, he pulled out his phone and started recording video while I continued painting. He seemed to be almost amazed by what I was doing, while I was mentally beating myself up thinking about what to add next. One of the first times I actually recognized the duality of my art. The ability to make one person feel one way, awe or amazement, while simultaneously torturing another, even if that other person was me, made me appreciate the piece more, and appreciate my talent. The other reason it holds so much importance to me is that of all of my paintings, it was my mom's favorite. I remember when she said that to me, I immediately knew what the next gift I was going to give her was. It played the centerpiece for her living room for the rest of her life.

36x24 Acrylic on Canvas

Angels & Demons

Wikipedia describes Medusa as: ...one of the three monstrous Gorgons, generally described as winged human females with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Those who gazed into her eyes would turn to stone. I can't remember specifically when I first encountered the myth of Medusa, but the earliest I can remember is seeing her in the movie Clash of the Titans. My mom loved that movie. When I was young, whenever it showed on television we would watch it together. The thought of a character who was so beautiful that people found it impossible not to look at her, yet who was so deadly that her gaze petrified you, turning you to into a stone statue always fascinated me. I had so many ideas before I started painting her. Originally, her eyes were going to be white to represent the moment before you lose your life. Then I thought about painting them with a metallic, mirror like finish so you would see your reflection in her eyes, but I eventually chose a stronger, more intentional gaze, giving the viewer that feeling like she is peering into your soul.

40x24 Acrylic on canvas

The Smokers Series

"The Drag" is a part of my Cigar Series, and features a man named Arana. Arana is an interesting person. A rising star in Cleveland's yoga community, this piece captures Arana in a relaxed moment enjoying a glass of bourbon while savoring a drag from a cigar. Dressed in a dark gray hat, scarf, and coat, the picture exudes a sense of quiet confidence and sophistication. I tried to use the contrast between his attire and the black leather chair he's sitting on to bring out a depth, highlighting the intricate details of both his clothing and the chair's gold buttons. My focus was on details, from the folds of Lynch's coat to the subtle glow of the bourbon glass. Through this painting, I aim to convey a sense of calm elegance and introspection, capturing a moment of personal enjoyment and Arana's unique character.

12x36 Acrylic on canvas

The Nudes Series

Raw, unfiltered self-expression is beautiful to me. In my Nudes series, "No Hands" captures a moment like this. Based on a picture from an amazing muse, this piece stands out for its unique composition and intimate portrayal. The subject, fully undressed with exception to a pair of black underwear, uses her hands to cover her breasts while holding the phone in her mouth. Playing the role of human tripod, the clever positioning adds an element of playfulness, emphasizing the balance and tension in her pose. The shadows and intricate contours of her body are rendered in a way that aims to capture the sensual, natural beauty, and complexity of the human form. Deep, rich colors of purple, magenta, and turquoise round out the background, creating a vibrant contrast to the mahogany complexion of the figure. Even completely exposed with her long hair cascading down her back and tattoo on her lower stomach revealing so much about her still doesn't give her identity as her face remains hidden, preserving the mystery in her anonymity.

24x24 Acrylic on canvas

Angels & Demons

"Angel Number Two" showcases the ethereal beauty of an angel using only blue and white. The limited color palette forced me to be intentional about each stroke I applied. Deep in thought, the completely white eyes were chosen to deliver the feeling of deep introspection. I tried to get a bit intricate with the design of the wings, lining each one separately. This painting exists to me as an attempt to convey deep emotion and thoughtfulness through a minimalist yet powerful use of color and detail.

24x24in Acrylic on Canvas

Identity & Culture

Introducing "One Knight in April," a captivating portrait that exudes an edgy and confident aura. This artwork features a woman with short, blonde hair, clad in a black leather coat, embodying a sense of rebellion and self-assuredness. The title is a playful nod to her maiden name, adding a personal touch to the piece. The most striking element is her mesmerizing eyes, which are both sultry and strong, seemingly piercing through the canvas and capturing the viewer's attention. This portrait is not just a depiction but a tribute to a muse who has been admired for over 20 years. The artist's deep admiration for the subject is evident in the attention to detail and the emotional depth conveyed in her gaze. "One Knight in April" serves as a testament to her resilience, strength, and unapologetic spirit, qualities that have been a source of inspiration for the artist. Each glance at the painting evokes memories of an amazingly resilient, strong-willed, and unapologetically authentic person, making it a deeply personal and powerful piece.