My favorite stories take you from a familiar scene and transport you into a world that is believable, yet fantastic and foreign. My characters and environments are based on photographs, yet they have a magical element that transports you into the world of the story; whether it is an invented world or an historical world. 

Thirty Dirty Sailors took me two years to research and is historically accurate in the details of the rigging, decor and clothing.  Through the paintings you can easily imagine yourself into the world of life on board the ship and the perspective of Laura Jernegan. 

Jan Napjus and the Ghost also involved extensive research into the costumes and homes of 1860's Holland.  This book is an extension of the geneological research done by Dr. Sharon Foltz (no relation) into the history and old stories of her family.

 I enjoy creating a character and capturing inner thoughts and feelings through facial and body language.  I am equally comfortable painting people and animals.  The level of realism I use is guided by the story itself.  History involves more research and accuracy, as does portraiture.  Fantastic stories allow me to use my imagination imore.   I look forward to creating a rich believable world for your character and for your readers to explore.