From the time I was old enough to hold a pencil , or a brush, I have drawn or painted. It is simply my idea of a good time. Although I have worked in many different media over the years, I find I enjoy working with acrylics the most. I like the flexibility of technique that they afford you. That is not to say that I don’t also enjoy painting with oils as well. For me, plein-aire painting is particularly challenging and rewarding. Although I am for the most part self taught, I have benefited from a lot of encouragement from friends and family. Some art lessons during my high school years gave me a solid base to begin with and it is not hard to work at something you love.

I have never ceased to be fascinated by ships and the sea. In fact, marshlands and boatyards will do just as well. I have always been amazed by the craftsmanship, design and beauty in the building of a ship or even a simple skiff. I love the stark beauty of the wetlands, and the sheer power of the ocean. I have made it a point to study the boats and ships I render in my work This has helped me in both the paintings and the ship models. It is amazing how much material is available in books ,as well as in plan form in the many museums and historical societies who preserve this material. They have been my resource for the important details that you can only be aware of when you see the actual boat in it’s working environment ,or have privilege of handling 100-year-old original builder’s plans of working boats built after the turn of the century.

There is no substitute for seeking out the harbors and boatyards where these craft exist and photographing and sketching them. This is an aspect of the process I could not do without and truly enjoy as well. I consider myself fortunate in the extreme to be able pursue my art and share it with the public.