A great painting is a well-crafted story, the product of style, taste, practice, and observation.  It's not clever, arty, or systematic.  On the contrary a great painting is derived at only by an acute sensitivity to the relative visual reality that we experience every time we open our eyes.  The only mechanical aspect lies in preparing a sound surface to paint on and in cleaning the palette and brushes at the end of the day.  In the meantime an artist concerns himself with seeking creative solutions that help communicate the story being told.  The power behind a great story is that it's grounded in truth, only straying far enough to embellish upon but not forfeit reality.  The patina on a leaky faucet, the unpredictable discoloration of an old pot bellied stove, or the soft warm glow of candlelit skin are moments worth taking pause to rediscover.  I like the way frost grows on a windowpane as Christmas draws near.  I believe great paintings have the remarkable ability to refocus our attention by stripping away prejudices and conditioning that blind us from experiencing the beautiful stories that pass us by on a daily basis.  It's my goal as an artist to notice life and spin a tale that captivates the viewer long enough that they may look again and perhaps see for the first time.