These paintings are part of a series called ìAmerican Mythsî. Mythology describes a world full of magic. It also lays out a peopleís assumptions about themselves and the world.
I base these paintings on old photographs. When I see them, I wonder what the stories are: Who are these people and what are they doing? I want to maintain that sense of mystery as I paint. Sometimes I stray from the photos as little as possible, just enough to change the context. Other times I change them a lot to make new stories. I want to include the good with the bad, the hopeful with the fearful.