My artist's spirit is alive when I am painting or photographing new images to inspire me. I am constantly watching for that moment of nature’s beauty that will capture my attention. Many times, this inspiration is found while taking a photo drive somewhere to find that fleeting splash of light on a tree, beautiful reflections on a serene pond, or any scene where nature is showing off. I am primarily a landscape painter who gravitates to water, as I love the challenge of painting water in all its many forms. The lighting is the most important component to the success of my paintings.
 

My style of painting is Contemporary Realism. I often use one to three of my photos in order to complete a painting. Some photos will be used for the composition and others for close-ups of sections I may need for a more detailed area. I paint in oils primarily now and work in layers. Each layer will dry overnight because I use Fine Detail Liquin as my medium, with a bit of Gamsol. This way I can stop at a good point and resume the next day, laying new paint over the last layer.

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From a young age, I enjoyed my art time and had caring parents who encouraged me to draw and paint. I began taking