The words of Jay Zerbe sum it up perfectly. For me, even when I paint a piece relatively speedily, I know it has been a long time coming…

This is more obvious in some works than in others.

It is clear from the surface of some paintings that there are many layers. While others have less depth, they take advantage of a kind of ‘knowing’ that comes after long exploration of the subject, expressed in a confident approach, a decisive mark, the quick flick of the brush, and clarity of vision…

Without the layers of personal history, and the layers of art history’s influences, these would be nothing. Instead, sometimes I regard them as little gems…