As long as I can remember, I have loved drawing. At the age of seven, I recall being fascinated by a set of Caran d’Ache colors that a friend owned—they were far more beautiful to draw with than my own. Since then, I have remained deeply fascinated by art materials and by exploring what they can do. That fascination is still very much alive, and I continue to find inspiration in experimenting with new media.
My artistic expression is rooted in the classical tradition, yet I enjoy working with a variety of methods and materials. I am driven by challenges and by discovering new approaches, and my art reflects this curiosity.
I studied at Einar Granum Kunstskole and with Odd Nerdrum. At Granum, I learned about the Impressionists and worked with a lighter palette that breaks color with white. With Nerdrum, the focus was on the limited palette of Anders Zorn—just a few carefully chosen colors—and on a classical expression inspired by the Baroque, with Rembrandt held in the highest regard. More than thirty years later, I still carry this fundamental training with me in my work.
Working figuratively comes naturally to me, yet I do not feel confined to that expression. I am always interested in exploring other approaches. For example, I can become fascinated by fluorescent colors and feel compelled to paint with them. My Northern Lights series incorporates elements of fluorescence while still remaining grounded in realism.I have also been fortunate to complete the one-year program at Milan Art Institute in USA, where I deepened my understanding of color and temperature in oil painting. This is something that truly fascinates me and that I have actively incorporated, especially in my Northern Lights series.
