I love rocks and I am inspired by rocks. I also love to paint outside the box - in more ways than one! The paintings in "Rocky Situations" are a form of collage, except the collage items are three dimensional. Most of the rocks I use are gathered from the yards and fields of friends and family here in Texas.   Most of my river rock, gemstones, and some others are purchased. But my collection of rocks is ever expanding when I get the chance to add to it. 
Besides rocks I also use Texas wood in these paintings.  I grew up in West Texas which is miles and miles of farmland on seemingly unending plains. Mountains and forests were the places of dreams. The scrub mesquite and and abundant cactus of the plains have long ago been removed to make way for the big equipment of the cotton farmers.  Rivers, trees, mountains or rolling hills and rocks all detract from the viability of farm land. I guess that is why I love rocks and trees and why they give me inpiration.