I also recently visited the Palm Beach Zoo with my mother and brother.  We captured hundreds of pictures, some of which I’ve taken the time to illustrate.  My favorite is an image of a monkey looking like he’s lost in an inspirational moment. I completed this image in gouache, a medium that is fairly new to me, that is proving to be my “missing link.”  It’s a step somewhere between watercolor and acrylic.  It’s flatter than acrylic,  yet remains brilliant enough for my liking.  I’ve experimented a bit with it, trying to apply it more like watercolor, and then like acrylic.  It really is a medium unto it’s own, however, and I may find that I favor it.  I feel like it leans towards pastels when I finally step away from the completed piece.  (compare my first image of the frog, with the monkey picture)  I really admire the way Tony DiTerlizzi applies the medium, and I’d like to emulate that to a degree.  Stay tuned for more~

I’ve learned that the most elemental part of creativity is surprising myself.  Creativity means staying fascinated by what comes from my brush, and motivated by the curiosity I have in what may happen next.  Some driving forces for my art are books and movies that inspire me.  Even the occasional dinner recipe or interesting day trip will inspire a new piece.  Experience drives art, and want to collect experiences like some people collect stamps.  I arrange my notes and photos and mementos around me, the the combination of them pushes my work places that I’ve never been before.