When making a portrait, I aim for a genuine response to my subject. Composition is important to me-especially where background detail is included. Ideally, I like to paint the sitter in a context, personal to them. I have enjoyed looking at many sitters faces and getting a sense of them + seeing how we respond to one another....how that effects the painting. Each approach I make is unique. Despite a certain amount of planning, frequently, I am surprised at how the work takes shape.. Special thanks go to all those sitters that have given me their time and exposure, helping to make my personal exploration of faces, so much richer.