I have been drawing and painting as long as I can remember. I was fortunate to begin formal art study with avian artist Florence Guise, and to continue with her twin brother, renowned seascape artist Charles Vickery, for a total of ten years in their curious, quirky and inspirational studio in LaGrange, Illinois. Later I received additional training at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Living just outside of Chicago afforded me regular exposure to many great local artists as well as the Art Institute’s brilliant and varied collections. Happily in 1987 I relocated to North Georgia where beauty and inspiration abound. At this point in my life, painting and art are inextricably woven throughout everything I do and are constantly in my thoughts with potential paintings all around me.

Artist Statement:
My artistic goal is to portray the beauty observed in the everyday world, and to communicate impressions and sentiments to others. Each piece of art is a personal visual account of sights and experiences that have touched my sensibility. Using memories, sketches and photographs from travels as inspiration and reference, the composition of a painting is developed – rearranging things in interesting and sometimes unexpected ways.

Method used varies depending on subject matter. For figures, an “under-painting” or sketch of the figure in sepia is rendered to establish tonality before applying a series of transparent glazes of color. For most other subjects and scenes paint colors are applied directly without a preliminary under-painting, known as alla prima.

​Favorite subjects are the fascinating and familiar human figure, majestic and powerful horses, resplendent and sometimes humorous birds, and ever-changing water and nature. The work is pure optimism and nostalgic fondness for simple and joyful motifs and a great appreciation for truly representing the essence of a thing, all of which contribute to a realistic, expressive, and vivid style.

Art Education:
• BFA - American Academy of Art, Chicago Illinois
• Private study for ten years with avian artist Florence Guise and seascape artist Charles Vickery

I use only the finest professional and archival materials, and prefer to paint oils on hardwood panels or premium stretched canvas primed with high-quality gesso ground. Once completely dry, I apply a permanent archival varnish to protect the surface of the finished painting from UV rays, dust, and other contaminants. This is a removable varnish that allows for later cleaning without harming the paint layers.

My watercolor paintings are done mainly on archival 100% cotton Arches cold-pressed 140lb or 300lb paper using only high quality permanent light-fast watercolor pigments.

Follow the related links below see more examples of my work. Please feel free to contact me with questions or to commission a custom painting. Thanks for visiting!