I am a traveler. I love to travel. I’ve already visited 46 out of the 50 United States and I’ve hiked in most of those states. I always take my camera with me, recording special places, faces, and times. Back in my art studio I become a traveler in an artistic sense. Using my photos and memory as a springboard, I try to capture those special moments and my mood on paper. Many times, I find my artistic “journey” (the process of creating) to be as exciting and fulfilling as my “destination” (a finished painting or drawing). But ultimately my goal is to capture the essence or spirit of my subject matter, whether it’s the captivating twinkle in a toddler's eye, or the mysterious sacred solitude of a woodland chapel. And even though my original reference point was in an actual place and time, what I’m after in my artwork is a time-LESS quality, such that my viewer will remark, “You know, that reminds me of a child (or chapel) I once saw. I feel as though I’m there again.” I especially enjoy doing vacation or portrait commissions for other people. I like the challenge of seeing if I can recreate on paper what someone else has found inspiring. Lastly, I’m on a spiritual journey. Through my artwork I try to visually express some of the wondrous beauty of the natural order that I believe God has placed in our world. Integrating my Christian faith with my artwork remains the most challenging, but ultimately the most fulfilling part of my journey. As I stated in the beginning, I am a traveler. Won’t you join me on this journey as you view my artwork? Mary Ann Pals