As a painter, I am attracted to the Renaissance technique of chiaroscuro, strong contrasts in illumination between light and dark areas. Black velvet enhances this effect and also provides textural features you can not get on canvas. When I started studying black velvet painting, I came across paintings by Edgar Leeteg. He mostly painted portraits of Tahitian people using chiaroscuro with stunning effect. In my work, I am trying to change people's perception of black velvet art just as Leeteg's work affected mine. I started teaching myself velvet painting in 2007 and I made a pilgrimage to The Velveteria Museum of Velvet Paintings in 2008 which was a life-changing experience. Hundreds of velvet paintings covered their walls in all different styles. I discovered other masters such as Cece Rodriguez, Daniel Guerrero, Burke Tyree and Louis Behan.13 years later, I have several pieces in The Velveteria's collection. I'm inspired mostly by contrasts in light and dark and texture, or just about anything that makes me think, "that will look great on velvet!" My work has been shown in Tucson, Bisbee, Phoenix, San Diego, Mexico, Colorado, Los Angeles, Oakland, Miami and Joshua Tree.
My entries for “The Mothership” Show at La Matadora Gallery, Joshua Tree, CA. Opening March 14th. “Arrival” 11in.x14in., “Close Encounter”, 8in.x10in., acrylic & rhinestones on black velvet.
I created this piece for the 20th Anniversary of Tiki Oasis, a Tiki convention in San Diego, CA. It will be published in a book. The book & the artwork will be for sale in 2020. Aloooooohaaaaaa from space🌺🌎! “Space Tiki Redux”, 16 in. x 20 in., acrylic on black velvet. I haven’t made up my mind yet, but I will add either mini LED lights or rhinestones for the stars.
After taking some time off to become a Yoga instructor, I’m back at the easel! “Moon Dance”, Czech glass rhinestones & acrylic on black velvet, 11 in. x 14 in.
“Crimson Nude”, acrylic on crimson velvet, 18 in. x 24 in.
I found some crimson velvet in my stash of velvet at my studio so I decided to do a classic nude on it. During my velvet career I have come across vintage, red velvet nudes and that is what inspired this.
“The Goosby Relativity Cruiser”, acrylic & LED lights on black velvet, 11 in. x 19 in. Inspired by a friend’s spaceship creation he made for Saguaro Man, Arizona’s version of Burning Man.
My piece I created for the first ever Arizona Tiki Oasis at the Hotel Valley Ho in Phoenix. “Tikila Chi Wow Wow!”, acrylic and glass rhinestones on black velvet, 11 in. x 14 in.
