When I’m experimenting with visuals, I don’t use a pencil and a sketchbook. Since I’ve been working with computer graphics systems since the 1980s, I’m much more comfortable working on ideas on screens than paper. I have a Mac Mini hooked up to a 24-inch monitor with a 4.5K Retina display. With that, I use a Wacom Intuos Pro tablet and an Art Pen. I also have a MacBook Pro laptop and an iPad for when I’m not at my desk. Though there are many design programs, I still use my trusty Photoshop since I’m so familiar with it, even when it’s overkill for what I need at any given time. Why learn something new when you already know how to do it with what you have?

Today I wanted to try some alternative compositions for the Magnolia painting so I tried a variety of possibilities in multiple layers in Photoshop. Getting up from the chair, walking away from the monitor, and looking at a distance always helps me make design decisions.

These daily studio notes lead toward my 2026 solo exhibitions in New York City and  Poughkeepsie, NY.