My childhood passion for art began with drawing my toys.  I was strongly encouraged by family and friends to nurture this passion and soon moved on to the drawing of movie action heroes and soap opera stars, selling these creations to grade school classmates.  They were spending their lunch money on these drawings for a rich two dollars and fifty cents.  That was good money for a kid who never saw an allowance.

     Years later, I found myself accepted into The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design where I studied design, graphics, drawing and painting.  I graduated in 1994 with a BFA in illustration and drawing minor.  Through my studies, with the assistance of some of Milwaukee’s most outstanding instructors and professors (including nationally recognized figurative artist Ann Gale), I was introduced to the complex and fascinating world of color and light.

     In 1996, I discovered plein aire painting while in a small group of other enthusiastic artists led by Lorin Willey.  Previously relying heavily on reference photos, my work evolved to strictly using direct observation.  While visiting countless galleries, I was inspired by the work of other painters and craved to learn the perfect language of paint.  I resolved to submit to the had work, discipline and commitment – with the inevitable phases of self doubt and discouragement – in the quest to master this craft.  This struggle brought me to the electrifying realization of the contrast between still life and plein aire landscapes.  The former was a world of toys, dolls, hardware, broken glass – infused with the spectrum of colors.  Drawn into that world, I began to confront issues arising from a history as a child of an addict.  My art became a form of therapy as past traumas danced and reconciled with the splashes and drips of color, together with the dazzling bursts of light.  A process of new awakening had commenced.

     These efforts immersed my prolific and obsessive self in the wonderment of the rising and setting sun – the mystical effect of how hot colors cool and cold cool warm.  My discoveries lured me back to familiar territory – the pure north woods of Michigan and Door County Wisconsin.  Door County fellow painters introduced me to my first gallery experience and solo show at Charlene’s Gallery Ten in Gills Rock.  This adventure opened the pathway to more gallery exhibits and the establishment of enduring friendships with some of America’s greatest painters. 

     Over the years, I have developed wonderful relationships with numerous collectors and have grown in confidence and pride as a fine artist – growth and awareness not possible but for the adventure and thrill of chasing the colors and light.  Each brush stroke is lifted from a very personal palette of color and light, reflecting my dialogue with God and His universe.