For me, like filmmaker Cecil B. Demille once stated "Creativity is a drug I cannot live without." Without creativity, depression trumps passion; with creativity, life arouses passion that trumps the everyday foofaraw.
I have always been attracted to the fine arts. In the 70's, I began oil painting; however, family and career forced me to give it up. In 2006, after suffering two strokes and two heart attacks, I again took up my palette and brushes. I love the challenge of creativity that painting provides. Even though I enjoy recreating photos as paintings, I enjoy painting en plein air even more. There is something magical about being outside and completing a painting on location.
I love purple - you can probably find some shade of purple in most of my paintings. I am still searching for my own style - I am not afraid to try something new.
Alfred Lord Tenneyson stated, "The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions." I am passionate about painting. Am I mastering this passion? Perhaps, perhaps not. But whichever, I am happy in the adventure.
Intermountain Society of Artists Spring Show, 2009, "Etude"
Intermountain Society of Artists Fall Show, 2008, 2nd Place for "Carmen Miranda's Antiques"
Art at the Main Featured Artist Show, J Hardesty Art, October 13 - November 15, 2008
Freatured Artist, Mr. Gregory's Salon, May 2008
Intermountain Society of Artists Spring Show, 2008, IAO Gallery
Art at the Main Gallery, Salt Lake City, Utah
Taylorsville, Utah Art Show, 2008, Third Place for "Bitterroot River North"
Bountiful/Davis Art Center Statewide Competition, 2008
Intermountain Society of Artists Fall Show, 2007, Honorable Mention for "School Days"
Sandy, Utah Art Show, 2007
Terra Nova Gallery, Provo, Utah, 2007
Quotes from Other Artists
"...cool images and colors...you need to keep creating cause what you're doing is great! I just love your colors...you've got a certain style going!" Jude Scott-Alvarez, Oil Painter, Salt Lake City, Utah
"This is very nice...the paint has substance and the atmosphere is well represented. Color is also well done." Brian Ezzell, Entrepreneur, Prescott, Arizona
"...your innate quality of style, color and composition are so strong. Keep painting your way, it's wonderful." Jack Richardson, Oil Painter, Onacock, Virginia
"...nice lighting effects in your paintings." J. Gregor, Oil Painter, Virginia Beach, Virginia
"You have... a definite style. I like the way you paint your colors crisp and clear..." Kevin Longs, Art Teacher, Brookville, Ohio
"I like the colors used and the way the paint is handled." Mary Ann Sedivy, Art Teacher, Newbury, Ohio
Instructed by following Professional Artists
David Koch, Plein Air Workshop
Steven K. Sheffield, Abstract Painting
John Hughes, Landscape Painting
Elio Camacho, Plein Air Workshop, Piedmont, California
Rob Adamson, Portraiture and Drawing, Salt Lake Community College
Melodie Williams, Oil Painting, Salt Lake City, Utah
Susan Gallacher, Landscape Painting, King's Cottage Gallery, Salt Lake City, Utah
Michael Nickle, Palette Knife Techniques, Syracuse, Utah