About the Artist

In the beginning… there was graphite

Art has always been an integral aspect of my life. I’m a self-taught artist, and life long resident of western Massachusetts. My career as a professional artist began in the graphic arts field, freelancing and specializing in hand lettering, display work and illustration in the form of children’s books and calendars.

In 1999 I made the transition from commercial art to fine art. Graphite seemed like the natural direction to pursue, as I always had an admiration for black and white photography and films. I was also drawn to its fundamental quality.

My artwork is created in my home studio. The execution of large artwork entails upwards of three or more months to complete. Each area is rendered to its finished detail using multi-layered values. Rarely do I return to make adjustments.

The months from late autumn through early spring I find are the most motivating in my desire to create drawings. Subjects are easily observed in woods, in rural areas without the adornment of spring and summer greens.

In need of refreshment

Objects in disrepair most often appear as subjects in my artwork. Their textural ruin demonstrates character and often graceful deterioration. I see them as discovered sculptures, found art, which only time can transform. These relics were long ago neglected, but of their history I often wonder, who owned them, who used them; these things were once significant in someone’s life. Their life is prolonged through the artwork.

Artistic Regeneration

In 2011, my direction in art changed, and I made the transition from graphite to color. I met a character that digs for valuable bottles at trash sites. From this area I recovered a rusted relic of a pot and immediately the concept and title ‘Lemon Drops’ came to me. It was my first acrylic painting in thirty years and I entered it in the National Society of Painters in Casein & Acrylic in New York City. Receiving top honors, this led to the series I am now painting of items in ruin from the past.

With my still life series, the discovery and collection of curiosities often relate to specific themes. I feel this is more enriching and creative as an artist. I now have greater control over composition and lighting, and also have the objects at hand for reference. The titles of my artwork always appear even before the first pencil or brush stroke.

American Masters

Upon first discovering their work, there are two American artists that I’ve been passionately drawn to, Maxfield Parrish and Andrew Wyeth. Both have a representational approach to painting, but are uniquely different in subject matter and style.

Parrish’s work features majestic scenery, landscapes of romanticism and dream-like qualities, while others of his are more whimsical in nature. His paintings are elaborate; color is of the essence and enhances their grandeur and mood.

Andrew Wyeth’s work is very opposite in feeling. His paintings often evoke pensive emotion from a single subject with very limited color. This and also his earthy, almost-monochromatic palette I easily relate to as being at the core of my own artistic creativity.

My drawing ‘Docent of the Olson House’ is a portrait of Dudley Rockwell, a relative of the Wyeth’s. This drawing is in the permanent collection of the Farnsworth Art Museum in Maine, and has been on display inside of the Olson House. By invitation, I was at Mr. Rockwell’s 90th birthday event held on the house grounds in June of 2003. I had the honor of meeting and briefly conversed with Andrew Wyeth, time I will cherish forever. It was an exhilirating experience to be speaking face to face with the artist that created the volume of artwork that inspired me the greatest.

Memberships:

National Society of Painters in Casein and Acrylic, New York

Allied Artists of America, Inc., New York City, New York

Academic Artists Association, Springfield, Massachusetts

Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, Mystic, Connecticut

Museums:

Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland, Maine-drawing in permanent collection

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI-drawing in permanent collection