After years of newspaper design and photography, painting entered my life in 1993. What started as a pastime and a personal form of expression became a new adventure.

My subject matter has a wide range: I will sometimes try to put an image to a fond memory, or I will be inspired by a scene that crosses my path; or, as in "One Lucky Bird," I will try to capture a fantasy that pops into my head. I begin with a concept, then a perspective, then the painting. Oftentimes, what I imagined takes a turn; a painting tends to just take me with it.

I begin with a very rough pencil sketch. If I'm pleased with the general idea, I pencil the image on archival watercolor paper. Then, typically, I will refine the lines with a fine-point pen with waterproof ink. Then I begin to paint. I mostly use gouache and acrylics; sometimes watercolor. Sometimes all three in the same painting. Unlike many artists, I do not create a series of studies, testing composition and colors. I just go for it. I suppose that is both a blessing and a curse of not having an art education. I suppose one could say that my work is formula-free; I make it up as I go along.     

The result has been a collection of paintings that reflect many of my personal interests: The hills of home; a love for the Southwest; reminiscences of Italy; and still lifes, both real and imagined. Even so, there is a story behind every one.

In some cases I introduced one to the other, and obviously took liberties with them all. In short, I have fun with color.