I have always enjoyed drawing and painting. I was inspired by my mother and grandfather, both recreational painters. I was also inspired by the art of comic books, particularly Marvel, and started drawing figures and portraits as a result. Although I dabbled with drawing and painting for years, I never took formal training, and really only began to focus more on painting in my 40s. At that time, I painted where I could – a closet, and extra bedroom, and even a dank basement. In 1998, my wife and I decided to build a new home and so I took that opportunity to also build a real studio. Having access to a studio made a huge difference and has enabled me to spend more time painting than ever before. My art is a passion, and an integral part of my life, but it is still only a very enjoyable hobby and I do it when I can. I am a lawyer and businessman by trade. And my profession, which I truly enjoy, has its own demands. That said, I am looking forward to the day when I can dedicate considerably more time to my art. I’d like to think that this website may be the first step in that direction.
Much of my work reflects an attempt to synthesize primal energetic flow with the visceral experience of enduring serenity. Despite the perpetual tension between the two, they are defined by one another – each giving meaning to the other. Both elements reach their height when they are both clearly and powerfully present in the same subject.
I like to start my paintings by trying to first sense and then capture the energetic flow underlying the phenomenal perception. I then apply layers of paint – often transparent or semi-transparent – over the energetic representation to capture the subject. In that way, the underlying energy radiates through and enlivens. In turn, the tranquility in the subject harmonizes and brings the energetic ground into a quiet stillness. Lately, I’ve been using oil pastels to add some brilliant accents of color to the canvas that brings it’s own energy.
But most of all, I hope my art reflects my deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for the world we are blessed to constantly experience in new and startlingly fresh ways.