I have been painting at a professional level for 30 years among my first artistic inspirations were that of Walt Disney and the Warner Brothers. I was born in Putnam,Connecticut In 1953 and my adventure in art started at the age of 5 as I grew up in Lacey, Washington. At a young age I was convinced that I wanted to be an illustrator and work for the Disney studios. After graduation from High school I served in the US Navy. I did not pursue working for the Disney studios After that. Being mostly self taught, I honed my skills by studying with the Art Instructions Schools and also earned an Associates of Fine Art from Highline College. I have studied now under the instruction of artist Mike Casad for two years. And two years with a former Disney animator, Thomas Cook studying animation. I work in Acrylic, oils, pencil, colored pencil and a variety of other mediums including recently, digital painting. My art is constantly evolving in ways I sometimes don't see coming until I start the piece, trying different techniques and combining some.
The work that I do is more of an illustrative/Fine Art style, with some whimsy thrown in. I find a great sense of joy and satisfaction in painting and drawing. I move to paint with a strong story to my work, that has a certain beauty and storybook pleasure which is colorful and vibrant. I paint from the heart and evoke my personal feeling into each painting no matter what the subject is. My hope is that each painting will reach the viewer on more than a superficial level and touch something deeper inside. I want people to have a feeling inside they will never forget.
