"I have no ethereal philosophy about painting.  The attempt to convey the beauty in the subject I'm viewing exalts my mind and spirit. The drama created, when painting very dark, or drapery backgrounds in still life, is thrilling, as is the conveyance of the reflective qualities of glass or metal objects, or the tactile stimulus of animal fur.  It all stirs emotion through my senses, sometimes to the point where I can hardly contain my enthusiasm."