ART is a prime focus of my life. Even when occupied with family or business, I am conceptually painting and planning future works. Just a short walk to the grocer's and an imaginary painting has been created. Over the past few years, I have explored mixed media and the creation of surface texture. Some of my paintings have been done on crinkled Kraft paper which is then stretched over a board; the resulting rich textural effect is then created by the liquid paint pooling on the surface. I am interested in portraits, creating energy with surface texture and power from strong design and close-up images. There is great excitement in seeing the canvas spring to life, so to speak . . .