I am interested in representing the female figure in a way that is relatable to all women. It is why I choose color palettes that aren't traditional ìskin color.î I simplify my references to black, gray and white. Each one-of-a-kind piece begins with a sketch in either charcoal or just black and white paint. I apply paint onto the surface with a brush or trowel, frequently scrubbing, sanding, or scratching away to reveal the ìunderneathî. I avoid all of the details and colors of the human figure and let the paint, palette and spontaneous marks guide me. In finishing the piece, I make sure to skew the line between figurative and abstract, leaving just enough detail for the brain to fill in the rest.