ABOUT

I have been fascinated with art and drawing for as long as I can remember. I always knew I wanted to be an artist, but since I had no clear path to attain this goal formally, I was predominantly self-taught.

My early years were challenging, requiring me to enter the working world as a teenager. I worked many odd jobs to survive, yet I still explored my love of art. During this time, I discovered the airbrush and became instantly enamored with its ability to create realism. I was captivated by the seemingly magical quality of the airbrush and the process of using it to make art. The brush never touched the surface, yet pictures would appear.

I apprenticed as a printer in my twenties, where I learned screen printing and offset press work. However, in that decade, the industry shifted its focus to digital, and I needed to change directions. I then fell into managing art supply stores, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with other artists while continuing to work with my ideas and visions in the background.

In my thirties, my increasing aversion to retail and the high desire to create my work led me to pursue custom painting. I had a successful business doing commissioned airbrush work on canvas, textiles, and automotive hoods, and my airbrushing skills dramatically improved. Yet, I never felt satisfied with the process, feeling that my calling was to do more than produce other peoples’ art. So, after a decade and a half, I chose to close shop to the public and focus on creating my visions, which explore my love of the human form and my desire to create realistic art. I still do occasional commissions, but I keep them limited to projects that I do well at and enjoy painting.

I reside in Keene, New Hampshire, with my wife, Janet. When not at the easel, I study philosophy and Zen and play the Shakuhachi and world flutes.

 

ARTIST STATEMENT

My artistic journey has always been guided by a profound fascination with the human body, fantasy, and textures. This fascination has driven me to blend these elements into my work. In my paintings, I strive to capture the delicate vulnerability of the human body juxtaposed with the unyielding aspects of nature, notably more complex formations like rock and steel. These contrasting textures and the interplay of light and shadow often leave the viewer questioning what they see. I frequently incorporate fantasy ideals and motifs, creating worlds of impossibility where people float in space adorned with wings and horns.

My paintings are born from short, fully-formed visions that come to me. These ideas, complete in their form, require little preliminary work – I look through a collection of references for one that closely aligns with my vision. I then make a few sketches to solidify my concept before committing the work to the artboard or canvas. At this point, I draw directly on the surface for the finished art. I rely on airbrush and quality acrylic paint, such as Golden and Createx, to bring these visions to life and paint realistically. These paints offer the vibrancy I seek, and the permanence art collectors expect.  

The overall outcome I strive for in my paintings is an emotional impact that creates a sense of wonder and fascination in the viewer. This goal will keep the audience intrigued and engaged with my artwork.