What I believe
Art communicates emotional complexities science cannot explain {for example: beauty, hope, love, fear - etc.} Through art, memories and aspirations can be expressed ways that words can't. Today, science has advanced communication systems to the point that art created by humans, through imagination and skill, is often considered no more than a distraction when the compared with the sheer volume of art available through Tic-Toc and like systems. Still, today's artists have tools available for creating fantastic art. The art being created today is some of the best art the world has ever seen. Great art starts with a vision but then it is the artist who must convey that vision to others. I seek only to open the viewers mind for an enjoyable, emotional, experience. I believe the best art to be contemplative and at the same time understood by the viewer. The term I use to explain my art is: "contemplative simplicity". I want my art to get your attention when you first view it and then hold your attention while it moves you also to a deeper place.
Some artists paint flowers while others paint the fragrance that surrounds them. Great artists paint the beauty in life and the hope for a brighter future. There are many good artists but few that are great. Some artists are well know for way they interpret and move the viewer. Some are know for fads or passing trends. Some are know for using quick trickery to make their statement and some are known for providing an abstract way of letting us look within ourselves. So, when you find an artist that communicates his/her feelings through art you should stop and enjoy the world as that artist sees it. Creating art is a slow and methodical journey and often requires years of exposure to life before it can be created or appreciated. Artists need money to survive and often make sacrifices in originality to support their existence. Art that puts forward originality and creativity demands appreciation that it often does not receive. Art can't be rushed into creation or cheapened in reproduction. Original art communicates clearly the values the artist holds dearly. My desire is to create art that encourages contemplation and is simultaneously enjoyable to the casual observer. An artist's journey is one of learning the skill set necessary to transfer an image from the mind to the paper and one of learning how to be an imaginative and uniquely creative thinker. When these two abilities come together, people will stand in awe at the painting before them. My desire is to cultivate minds and encourage other artists to do the same. I want us to be a better people who care for others and the world around us. I paint only with watercolors because the pigments present themselves brightly - without dullness. Lacquers and oils are often muted, fade in time and sometimes crack in ways that watercolors do not. With proper care watercolor paintings should outlast other painted surfaces.
Some artists paint flowers while others paint the fragrance that surrounds them. Great artists paint the beauty in life and the hope for a brighter future. There are many good artists but few that are great. Some artists are well know for way they interpret and move the viewer. Some are know for fads or passing trends. Some are know for using quick trickery to make their statement and some are known for providing an abstract way of letting us look within ourselves. So, when you find an artist that communicates his/her feelings through art you should stop and enjoy the world as that artist sees it. Creating art is a slow and methodical journey and often requires years of exposure to life before it can be created or appreciated. Artists need money to survive and often make sacrifices in originality to support their existence. Art that puts forward originality and creativity demands appreciation that it often does not receive. Art can't be rushed into creation or cheapened in reproduction. Original art communicates clearly the values the artist holds dearly. My desire is to create art that encourages contemplation and is simultaneously enjoyable to the casual observer. An artist's journey is one of learning the skill set necessary to transfer an image from the mind to the paper and one of learning how to be an imaginative and uniquely creative thinker. When these two abilities come together, people will stand in awe at the painting before them. My desire is to cultivate minds and encourage other artists to do the same. I want us to be a better people who care for others and the world around us. I paint only with watercolors because the pigments present themselves brightly - without dullness. Lacquers and oils are often muted, fade in time and sometimes crack in ways that watercolors do not. With proper care watercolor paintings should outlast other painted surfaces.
Below are some of the things that brought me to where I am today as an artist.
ABOUT ME
I have painted in watercolor for over 20 years
I am self taught
I seek improvement with every painting
Watercolor is my medium of choice
Born in Charleston, West Virginia, I currently live in Northern Michigan
Married with two children and four grandchildren
Studios just outside Traverse City, Michigan and Spokane, Washington
Painting style is: Contemplative simplicity - (paintings with a variety of styles that create art with an emphasis on bold colors and emotional content)
ORGANIZATIONS OF INVOLVEMENT
Spokane Watercolor Society (SWS) - Signature Member & Past President
Southwest Washington Watercolor Society (SWWS) - Juried artist and Past President
Transparent Watercolor Society of America - Life Member
American Watercolor Society- Member
National Watercolor Society - Member
Northwest Washington Watercolor Society(NWWS) - Signature Member
EDUCATION
NATO School: Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Training
Extensive survival, escape and evasion (SERE) training
Pilot Training (Air Force and Army)
Board certified to fly, instruct and evaluate in various USAF aircraft including: fighters, tankers, transports, bombers and helicopters.
Federal Aviation Administration certified as a private pilot, commercial pilot and air transport rated with several type certifications.
Federal and State Safety Program Management Training for space, flight, ground and nuclear
accident investigation and safety program management as board president
Central Michigan University - MBA
Michigan Technological University - BS Chemistry
US Air Force -Graduate of Air University, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer School
AWARDS
I believe that each person is a judge of the art they inspect. Awards only serve to confirm one or a few individual opinions. I have won awards at the local, national and international level. I have exhibited my art in many shows and hope that you will give it a high score when you look at it. Please let me know your critical thoughts - both positive and negative. I'm still learning!
Life Experience Includes:
Travel: North America, Northern Atlantic region, Europe, Central America, South America, Mid Eastern, Pacific and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand
Work: DOD, USAF, DEA, NASA, flight testing, medical, and combat
I have painted in watercolor for over 20 years
I am self taught
I seek improvement with every painting
Watercolor is my medium of choice
Born in Charleston, West Virginia, I currently live in Northern Michigan
Married with two children and four grandchildren
Studios just outside Traverse City, Michigan and Spokane, Washington
Painting style is: Contemplative simplicity - (paintings with a variety of styles that create art with an emphasis on bold colors and emotional content)
ORGANIZATIONS OF INVOLVEMENT
Spokane Watercolor Society (SWS) - Signature Member & Past President
Southwest Washington Watercolor Society (SWWS) - Juried artist and Past President
Transparent Watercolor Society of America - Life Member
American Watercolor Society- Member
National Watercolor Society - Member
Northwest Washington Watercolor Society(NWWS) - Signature Member
EDUCATION
NATO School: Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Training
Extensive survival, escape and evasion (SERE) training
Pilot Training (Air Force and Army)
Board certified to fly, instruct and evaluate in various USAF aircraft including: fighters, tankers, transports, bombers and helicopters.
Federal Aviation Administration certified as a private pilot, commercial pilot and air transport rated with several type certifications.
Federal and State Safety Program Management Training for space, flight, ground and nuclear
accident investigation and safety program management as board president
Central Michigan University - MBA
Michigan Technological University - BS Chemistry
US Air Force -Graduate of Air University, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer School
AWARDS
I believe that each person is a judge of the art they inspect. Awards only serve to confirm one or a few individual opinions. I have won awards at the local, national and international level. I have exhibited my art in many shows and hope that you will give it a high score when you look at it. Please let me know your critical thoughts - both positive and negative. I'm still learning!
Life Experience Includes:
Travel: North America, Northern Atlantic region, Europe, Central America, South America, Mid Eastern, Pacific and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand
Work: DOD, USAF, DEA, NASA, flight testing, medical, and combat