Design, color, and texture in my paintings are inspired by seeing, feeling, and observing the beauty of nature.  I then translate those images into my abstract painting.  

First, I make a rough sketch on scratch paper, then choose the colors, and decide on the point of interest and where the highlights should be.  As I begin the painting process on a prepared surface.  I frequently step back from the painting to evaluate whether or not it is going in the direction I had planned.  At that point I also may make some changes.  Maybe I'll add some collage papers to give it texture and emphasize an interesting area in the painting.  Or change the color composition.  How do I know when a painting is finished?  When I really like it, the painting is balanced, the shapes and composition looks great, and have no further inspiration left to add.

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My tools for painting are mostly acrylic or sometimes oil paints.  I paint on canvass, wood panels, or watercolor paper.  A variety of brushes.  Love to visit art supply shops.  There is a lot to choose from.