About the Artist

I graduated from Ray College of Design in Chicago, then attended College of Marin and U C Santa Cruz. Upon graduation from Ray College of Design, I accepted a position at the institution teaching perspective and color. I've been the recipient of numerous awards and honors:  the Bronze Discovery Award from the Art of California magazine. The Arts in Embassies program selected my artwork for the American Ambassador to Singapore. Barry Spitz and The Marin Open Space chose one of my paintings for the cover of their book Open Spaces: A Guide to the Marin County Open Space District, published in the Fall, 1999. Southwest Art magazine featured my  work in the October, 1999 issue titled "Preserving Beauty". Paramount Studios commissioned me to paint a 4' by 5 ' painting for the movie "Vanilla Sky", starring Tom Cruise. I was the recipient of the prestigious Jane Gallagher Award for excellence in painting. The Nevada Museum of Art recently acquired one of my fire paintings for their permanent collection.

With a background mainly doing plein air paintings as well as aerial paintings in Marin County, California,  I moved to Reno Nevada 8 years ago to find a completely new palette of color in the landscape. The greys and violets abound here.  After reading a book on the effect of  acids on copper, I started experimenting with various patinas.  My salmon series has been a whole new level of exploration by applying the oils on top of the patina formed by the acids.

Artist Statement

It is important for me to convey to the viewer the feeling,the mood, of the image that I have painted. I hope they can feel the heat of the day,  the cold of the snow, or the wind blowing against their skin in my landscapes. The remote areas are always most appealing to me. I love a location where I can be alone with nature, hear the grasses rustle in the breeze, and listen to the birds sing their sweet songs. I've had curious cattle come up to my truck and lick every square inch of it. I had snakes wiggle by my feet (something I'm not fond of!) And once a lone violinist was playing in the distance.

Some of the challenges of painting plein air are having a finished canvas blow over in the wind, bugs landing on the canvas or palette, or just the weeds and seeds that land on the fresh paint. But the experience of painting outdoors, on location makes it all worth the effort of trekking to a remote area and making it your own.

Please contact me if you are interested in art classes. I am teaching oil painting in Reno and will put you on my list so you can

be aware of my upcoming classes.