Oils
I have always found beauty in nature. Growing up on my parents dairy in Northern California I was always outside enjoying the activities of the farm, the animals and the outside scenery. I’ve loved art since I was a child and always pursued a creative path in school, business and pleasure.
I studied Fine Art at California State University before moving into a Graphic Arts career. Later I jumped ship and became a Sales Rep in the Ski Fashion business. Wow, what a switch. My background in Fine Arts allowed me the opportunity to aid the design teams of several large ski apparel companies, as well as educating my retailers in merchandising and window design. I was an instant success in the ski business and stayed in that industry for many profitable years. During that period I furthered my creative spirit by designing and building a beautiful artful home that was featured (centerfold) in Sunset Magazine while I raised a beautiful responsible daughter.
Loving the outdoors I became a Plein Air painter. This discipline allows me to interpret natures beauty in its rural and mountainous settings. I also consider myself a studio painter. It is common for me to paint in the studio using a Plein air study as inspiration.
I love the texture of the oil paint and the fluid motion of the brush strokes. I love the freedom that comes from painting, the challenge and the meditative state that I am in while painting.
I find inspiration in many artist including Edgar Payne, Clyde Aspevig and John Singer Sergeant. However, my biggest influence comes from “Nature” itself.
My Art education has included studies with Plein air artists: Charles Waldman, Gregory Kondos, Kit Night, Mike Bagdonas, Randal Stauss, Philippe Gandiol, Christine Lashley and the master of Plein Air Kevin McPherson.