In 2024 I started sketching in various locations out in nature, often at Malibu Creek State Park. Those small landscape pictures inspired large paintings back in the studio in unexpected ways. Impressions from these outings in my journal: "As I settle in next to the sun-speckled creek, up high on a rocky overlook or under majestic whispering old oak trees, the life force of nature with wisdom dating back too long to fully imagine filters through fingers that gratefully transfer line and color to paper. Wind sweeps through tall grasses, flower tops bobble in colorful dances, small creatures like birds, insects and lizards visit. Time seems to pause. All is connected. Hope reigns."