It is so enjoyable to sit at the large round dining table and gaze about the room. From this perspective, one feels immersed in the middle of a glorious living garden. All around, butterflies lazily drift about the room, as song birds, insects--even a rabbit and a squirrel--scamper about. The real treat, however, is the towering masses of abundantly blooming old-fashioned perennials--hollyhocks, black-eyed Susans, foxgloves, sunflowers, delphinium, columbine, etc.--seeming to dance in the warm summer breeze.

Curtis's murals are composed with an innate sense of illuminating light and color. Notice the almost tactile, sun filled atmosphere in this work--achieved through the layering of softly tinted color washes. Viewers often admire the warm, "dreamy feeling" this subtle blending creates--commenting on the incredible illusion of depth resulting from this technique.

Also reflected in this work is the artist's obvious love for nature and garden-themed murals. Although appearing effortless, this realistic approach to painting requires hours of visual research and planning. Much attention to detail is demanded--from the delicate precision of the formation and color vibrancy of a foxglove blossom, to the "frozen in time" capturing of a disturbed feeding rabbit or curious squirrel.

It is the sincere effort of the artist to provide the viewer with a believable impression of nature. One must only squint, to fully appreciate and comprehend the panaramic splendor offered before them.

(Please note, this home and mural was featured on HGTV's Before & After Show with host Pat Simpson, in late summer 2003)