"The Great Emancipator" Painting

Art has been a constant presence throughout my life. Long before my military service and long before establishing my studio in Virginia, I was drawing, painting, and studying the world around me. My artistic journey eventually led me to earn a degree in Applied Arts and Visual Communications, but the desire to create began much earlier and continues to drive my work today. Working primarily in watercolor and oil, I am drawn to subjects that reveal beauty through observation—quiet landscapes, wildlife, rural architecture, botanicals, waterways, and the changing effects of light. While the subjects vary, my goal remains the same: to create work that rewards close attention and invites viewers to pause, look deeper, and experience a sense of wonder. I have a deep respect for craftsmanship and the traditions of representational art. Whether working in the fluid spontaneity of watercolor or the richness of oil, I strive to balance technical skill with atmosphere, creating paintings that feel both familiar and timeless. Many of my pieces begin with direct observation, but the finished work is guided by memory, mood, and the emotional impact of a particular place or moment. The greatest compliment I can receive is when someone chooses to live with one of my paintings. Knowing that a piece has found a place in a home and become part of someone’s daily life is far more meaningful to me than any award or recognition. My goal is simple: to create artwork of lasting quality that reflects a lifetime devoted to learning, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of beauty. My first experience as an artist was at 2 years old, drawing abstract murals on the walls of the house where I grew up. Although my work wasn't appreciated at first, my mother encouraged my creativity by lining the walls with butcher paper allowing me to continue to develop my talent. In the Spring of 1995, I refined my skills as an artist by graduating from The Art Institute of Seattle. My focus was graphic design, typography and illustration. I worked as a graphic designer for over 10 years. I currently live in Newport News, Virginia with my wife, daughter and our sweet little pug named Maddie.