I started painting with my mom when I was seven years old or so. She made ceramics in a studio in the back yard and we would paint them together in pure, bright colors. My dad was a great storyteller and instilled in me a great appreciation of humor. I left college in 1971 to live in Mexico with the intent of teaching myself how to paint landscapes in the manner of the French impressionists. I lived in rural areas in the states of Guerrero and Michoacán for ten years. In the early 1980’s I returned to the US to be closer to my son and my aging parents. I lived in Australia in the early late 1980’s and early 90’s. I now reside on the Central Coast of California.
The first paintings that really caught my eyes were by Van Gogh, Gauguin and Monet. Not long after I developed a great appreciation for Corot, Turner, George Inness, Constable, Whistler and Sorolla. Soutine and Modigliani seemed the odd men out, but showed me how to follow your own vision. In Mexico I was impressed with the great muralists (Rivera, Siqueiros) and the visionary Dr. Atl. In the US I paid close attention to Homer, Whistler, Moran and the early naturalists. Early plein air painters of California have an effect on my work, especially the Society of Six. Ray Strong was a visionary painter and a great man; an inspiration to all who love nature. My friends are a steady source of art spirit.
I have been painting professionally since 1971, mostly landscapes in oil. My greatest love is painting outdoors “plein air” and most of the work is done on site. Many paintings are finished in one session, “alla prima”. My idea of a successful painting , viewing or creating it, is; 1) It must be interesting to look at, 2) It changes the way I see and/or feel about the subject, and 3)reveals more and more upon subsequent viewings.
I am also a writer, currently working on a book about plein air painting adventures. Music is my life’s heartbeat, and I have been playing the guitar for over four decades. My friends sustain me. My son and his family make my life truly worthwhile.
