ABOUT
What I believe
It is my belief that art communicates the emotional complexities science cannot explain. And through art memories and aspirations can be expressed in a way that words can not satisfy. With the great tools artists have available today artists should be creating the best art that has ever existed. Great art starts with a vision but then it is the the artist who is able to convey that vision to others. I seek to open the viewers mind to an enjoyable, emotional experience through my art. Art should be contemplative and yet understood by the viewer. The term I use to explain my art is "complicated -simplicity". I want my art to get your attention when you first view it and then hold your attention while it moves you to a deeper place of understanding as to why it was created.
A painter will paint a flower while an artist will paint the fragrance that surrounds it, the beauty in life, or the hope for the brighter future. There are many painters but few artists. So when you find an artist that communicates his/her feelings through art you should stop and enjoy the world as that person sees it. Creating art is a slow and methodical journey and often requires years of exposure to both create and to appreciate. Although artists need money to survive the value in original art is not from finding a way to rush it's existence but rather from finding a way to communicate clearly the values the artist holds dearly. My desire is to create art that encourages contemplation and is simultaneously enjoyable to the casual observer. 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 I have limited time to learn several mediums and because watercolors present the pigments brightly - without dullness. Lacquers and oils are often muted, yellow and fade in time and sometimes crack in ways that watercolors do not. With proper care watercolor paintings should outlast other painted surfaces.
A painter will paint a flower while an artist will paint the fragrance that surrounds it, the beauty in life, or the hope for the brighter future. There are many painters but few artists. So when you find an artist that communicates his/her feelings through art you should stop and enjoy the world as that person sees it. Creating art is a slow and methodical journey and often requires years of exposure to both create and to appreciate. Although artists need money to survive the value in original art is not from finding a way to rush it's existence but rather from finding a way to communicate clearly the values the artist holds dearly. My desire is to create art that encourages contemplation and is simultaneously enjoyable to the casual observer. 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 I have limited time to learn several mediums and because watercolors present the pigments brightly - without dullness. Lacquers and oils are often muted, yellow and 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 formed me
I have painted for nearly 20 years and still seek improvement
Watercolor is my medium of choice
Born in Charleston, West Virginia, I currently live in Spokane, Washington
Married with two children and four grandchildren
Studios in Traverse City, Michigan and in Spokane, Washington
Painting style is: Contemplative simplicity - (paintings with a variety of styles that create art with an emphasis on color and emotional content)
Watercolor Organizations of Involvement:
Spokane Watercolor Society(SWS) - Signature Member and current 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 - Member
Education Includes:
Graduate of Air University, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer School
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 and instruct in various aircraft including: fighters, tankers, transports, bombers and helicopters
Commercial FAA Air Transport Rating
Federal and State Safety Program Management Training for flight, ground and nuclear safety program management
Central Michigan University - MBA
Michigan Technological University - BS Chemistry
Life Experience Includes:
Travel: North America, Northern Atlantic region, Europe, Central America, South America, Mid Eastern, Pacific and the South Pacific
Work: DEA, NASA, flight testing, medical, and combat
Watercolor is my medium of choice
Born in Charleston, West Virginia, I currently live in Spokane, Washington
Married with two children and four grandchildren
Studios in Traverse City, Michigan and in Spokane, Washington
Painting style is: Contemplative simplicity - (paintings with a variety of styles that create art with an emphasis on color and emotional content)
Watercolor Organizations of Involvement:
Spokane Watercolor Society(SWS) - Signature Member and current 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 - Member
Education Includes:
Graduate of Air University, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officer School
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 and instruct in various aircraft including: fighters, tankers, transports, bombers and helicopters
Commercial FAA Air Transport Rating
Federal and State Safety Program Management Training for flight, ground and nuclear safety program management
Central Michigan University - MBA
Michigan Technological University - BS Chemistry
Life Experience Includes:
Travel: North America, Northern Atlantic region, Europe, Central America, South America, Mid Eastern, Pacific and the South Pacific
Work: DEA, NASA, flight testing, medical, and combat