"The mystic & fool paintings exhibit a journey through the unusual and the interpretation of a fool as the Muse and artist. A fool's lack of experience in the ways of society is seen on the surface to be a disadvantage, but in reality it opens his mind to the unusual or unique experiences that are denied the ordinary person. As the artist I feel a connection to the fool, who exists on the fringe of organized life, going my own way, ignoring rules or taboos that might restrict creative daydreaming. While painting I'm free to explore alternate realities, not found in everyday life. Most, but not all in this series are painted with pastels, acrylics, pure pigment and some mixed media, layered to achieve various textures and vivid colors. Sometimes the effects and emotions are natural gifts freely given by the medium to the Muse....and the Fool."