To answer the question: What inspires me?

I was recently asked about the inspiration of my paintings. It was a question that stumped me. If I'm honest, I paint because my emotions need to go somewhere. I often paint from a photograph taken by a friend, my family, or myself. It can't be just any picture. It has more to do with my connection to it. What memories does it stir? What stories does it tell? Am I ready to paint the connection? My painting style tends to be expressive of my emotion at the time and where my head is. 

When people ask me to paint a picture they have taken...I hesitate only because of expectations that I don't want to fail. I am willing to try when the mood strikes, and it helps to know the story behind it. 

Watercolor painting is a new medium for me. It has given me the chance to explore my ideas of a painting, practice style, and paint anywhere. The first time I ever sat outside with my watercolors, sketchbook, and brush on a camping trip...I was hooked. It felt like such wonderful bliss to sit in the morning sun and paint. Almost a personal meditation. I would tell anyone to get a travel sketchbook, watercolor set, and pen. Keep it with you and you will be surprised that you actually do use it. 

Acrylic painting is different, but my favorite way to express my work. The colors are rich and thick. It forces my mind to concentrate and pay attention to all of the little details of my art. It was the first set of paints given to me.