I find figures and landscapes equally captivating and utilize both in my paintings. Just about the time I finish a figurative piece I seem to have the desire to paint a landscape, and vice versa. Sometimes I combine the two.

Nature plays a predominant role in my life and work. In my youth, I hunted and fished the waters and woodlands of northwest Pennsylvania. I continue to hike this special region, and my paintings recall many of these inspirational settings. 

2000 was a good year to begin painting full time. I have not regretted it. Painting is my passion and my spiritual connection to nature and creation. I loosely describe my style as painterly realism. Usually, my goal is to tell a simple story with paint and I try to give the paint a voice by letting it show itself. Each new painting is special, from the exciting discovery of a new subject, through decisions about light, surface, composition, drawing, color and paint application. Having been trained as an illustrator, I use whatever means I need (nature, my own photography, color studies, sketches, models) to produce my paintings.

Oil paint is my main medium of expression. It has a unique feeling, all its own in the way it slides across a finely woven canvas or smooth panel. The painting process itself is a journey of learning through enjoyment and turmoil, action and reaction, and spontaneity and fear.

With my paintings, I hope to take you to a memorable place I've been or introduce you to someone I've found intriguing.  If I can help get someone to an emotional level similar to what I feel when I read a good book, listen to a great piece of music or watch an amazing performance then I feel I've succeeded as an artist.