My art starts by combining abstract color with the human form. In essence, I paint nude bodies.  I typically have no preconceived idea of what the end result will be. The paint, the colors and the particular shape of the individual's body and gender guide me to the finished image. The process is often intense and emotional for both parties. I am absorbed in my human canvas, blurring and redefining the contours of the human body through paint.  The model also undergoes a metamorphosis of sorts - watching their nude forms become an explosive palette of color.  The painting process typically takes 3-4 hours.

Once the painting process is completed, I document the images via digital photography. The model poses in a variety of positions based on body angles and color patterns. This process typically takes about an hour. The images are loaded into the computer and the original backgrounds are stripped out, leaving only the body image.  The backgrounds are then digitally replaced by another body painting image - sometimes images of the same model and sometimes images of previous models. The background images are digitally altered for color and depth enhancement. Sometimes the background images are obvious, other times the images are more subtle and indistinguishable.  I am enthralled by particular body angles that are indecipherable or that turn the body into an odd landscape. My father-in-law, Fritz Scholder, an established artist, had an influence on my vivid color combinations. 

I started body painting on New Years Eve of 2000. My first public exhibition was in 2004.  To date, I have produced over 100 finished images using the mixed media of painting on human canvas, photography and background digital enhancement.  These are pictures of everyday people that I have transformed with color – they are not paid models with perfect bodies.  Too often people focus on their imperfections and it thrills me when people see how beautiful their painted bodies become. Everyone has a good angle – color just makes it easier to find.

It is a liberating process and well worth the time.  The avenues of expression are endless, given the various body types, colors and gender combinations.