John Modesitt spent 50 years studying the impressionist techniques of as many masters as possible in Europe. Having done so, his artistic expression resembles the French and California impressionists. Like these early masters, Modesitt paints what he feels about nature and translates his emotional and spiritual experiences into rhythmic color compositions on canvas. "Before I start a painting I ask myself what am I trying to say. This gives me a clear understanding of where I am going and how I will get there." Once a clear message has been established John creates a thumbnail sketch. "I paint what I see, but, I compose what I feel by refining the natural composition. This may mean adding, deleting or moving objects ...