I choose subjects from my daily life that grab and hold my interest bringing a sense of wonder and joy. My favorite subjects are natural objects that celebrate the beauty of god’s creation and handcrafted objects that embody the dignity of honest, creative work.

Drawing and painting have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was deeply inspired to create art by my grandfather and father, both of whom were accomplished painters. I grew up in Southern California and spent many summers at my grandfather’s camp in the Adirondack Mountains. As a youth, I discovered Winslow Homer’s paintings of the Adirondack’s, and his work strongly influenced my early paintings. Subsequently, American realist painters like Thomas Eakins and Andrew Wyeth also influenced my work.

I am fascinated with the magic that happens when the painted subject appears solid and real but the painter’s hand is still clearly visible. In my work I add to the realist art tradition a modern sense of color and composition. Growing up with California’s brilliant color and light, I find it exhilarating to express the sometimes bold and often subtle effects of color and light through my art, and celebrate the mystery and beauty of their dance.