When starting this series, this particular painting emerged in my mind's eye, as I wanted a very good memory of what San Francisco means to the rest of the world. This is my version of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

The Bridge is about open possibilities and welcoming travelers to its shores.

As I began painting this series with the Golden Gate Bridge, the sheer silk contrasted with the steel architecture of the bridge, created a tension between the viewer and of the creation of a new experience of space.

“What can I do with this iconic image to make it more ‘mine’?” I wondered.

As I worked, I repeated my design mantra while I created the drawing in preparation for this painting:

“Simplify, simplify, simplify!”

This is my mantra when creating art. I may sketch out details in the early stages, but I try my hardest to leave them out of the painting and highlight color and the presence of shapes instead.

The openness of the design enriches the sense of space and of wonder one feels when looking at this scene.