Bio
Fascination with archaeology and ancient peoples is a new component of my work, and that also comes back to the theme of stories. Who built this temple? How did this carved scarab get stuck in the dirt 500 miles from where it was made? What was it like to travel along the Ancient Silk Road? Stories permeate our lives. The great Joseph Campbell said "The Universe is not made of atoms, it is made of stories." I belive that.
As a child, my artistic career started with creating my own illustrated stories and nature books. My first self-published book met with rave reviews in my third grade class. At the encouragement of a family friend, after high school I attended The American Academy of Art in Chicago where I studied still life, portraiture, and the human figure. In my current work, I seek to build on this earlier study by bringing my interests in stories and people-watching together, into two series of paintings that are intended to heighten the viewers senses to joy, fun, myth, and mystery.
I finally achieved one of my interim goals of being a "pro" painter after studying under Matt Smith, Ralph Oberg, Dan Young, and Scott Mattlin. In the last few years, I have returned to focus on the figure and portrait painting I loved in art school. I am very drawn to integrating the human form with outdoor locations, animals, and beautiful, warm lighting.
My current projects integrate my love of archaeology, history, mythology, and the human form by painting modern interpretations of ancient myths and historical figures.
My work has been shown in Salon International (2007), Oil Painters of America National Exhibition (2006), Arts for the Parks, and many other national and regional juried shows. Collectors include residents from across the US, Canada, and Europe. I am a member of Oil Painters of America.
My work is featured in the book 100 Ways to Paint Your Favorite Subject, by the editors of International Artist magazine.