As an artist I have always been inclined towards an impressionistic style, and through experimentation with many techniques and media, I found myself excelling when I could truly add my own touch. Through this I ultimately discovered a purpose to my work. My primary goal as an artist is not to pay close attention to details, but rather to make emotion come alive in my works. I would rather a piece that I create evoke personal emotion, than be viewed as photorealistic. I have no problem experimenting with colors and brushstrokes that venture off that path of realism. I want the viewer to experience connection- whether it is in relation to how I feel about the piece, or how it makes them feel- the importance is that it is relatable to the viewer.

     A perfect example of the type of subject I focus on is one that captures moments that people can individualistically relate to.  I created a piece that illustrates my mom holding me as a newborn. Using the freedom I was given, I choose this subject, like others, to specifically elicit emotion. I have a really strong relationship with my mom and I think a mother holding her newborn baby is one of the most emotional and miraculous moments for a mother. Not only did I have my own way of connecting to this piece, as the baby in the picture, I knew other mothers and daughters could too.

     When I have freedom with media like acrylic paint and charcoal, I can expose my ability to emotionally relate the viewer through simple mark making. My impressionistic style, compared to the those who focus on detail, captures the feelings that the subject evokes, rather than lifelikeness. The reason I do this is because I feel that intense detail is not necessary to create the connection to the viewer.

     The success of my goal to establish a connection from the viewer to my work, partially derives from my artistic style. Having the freedom in my artwork to be expressive, creates that connection. The journey I have taken developing my own unique style has allowed me to be expressive in my work.