My parents once said that I was born to be an artist. My interest in the visual arts was evident from a very early age and they encouraged me to explore many ways of expressing that interest with access to various supplies and semi private lessons. Fortunately for me, I grew up at a time when the arts were heavily supported in the public school system and I was able to participate in every class available, maximizing what each had to offer for six years. Along with these classes came opportunities to compete in district wide contests, be elected to involvement in select programs, design murals for newly built schools and create stage play backdrops. However, I was finding that my favorite artistic focus was painting realism, primarily portraiture and figurative works. My first portrait painting sales during this time set the interest hook even deeper.

 

Following graduation I trained in commercial art and then immersed myself in that field. I did not set aside my enjoyment of fine art, but enhanced it by refining my skills and knowledge with continued lessons. Privately commissioned works kept me steadily involved until the occurrence of a long and unavoidable lapse, due to the loss of my visual clarity. Years later, thanks to a kind and talented eye doctor, my vision was surgically restored and I was able to return to painting and drawing again. Losing my ability to create paintings was akin to losing one’s best friend and regaining it again was overwhelmingly joyful.

 

Since that time I have been creating paintings with more focus than ever before, entering contests and selling my work for others to enjoy. What is art if it can’t be shared? My goal is to paint to the best of my ability the beauty I see in the world, especially in the things we ourselves cannot create, whether it is the transparency of a flower petal, the gentle gaze of someone’s eyes or the softness of a baby’s skin. When I can reproduce these things on canvas or paper, it is a time of experiencing oneness with the subject before me that is so incredibly satisfying.

Pure bliss.

 

 

 2007

 Capitol City Visual Arts Exhibit

 2006