All images are copyrighted and strictly for educational and viewing purposes.

2007

How did you become an artist/designer?

I have always been able to draw and loved doing that for hours of entertainment as a child. I was an adult before instructions were made available to me while living in Houston, Texas when I was in my late 20’s. I have looked for instruction from many sources ever since.

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Welsh, Louisiana, a small town in south Louisiana. I lived there until I was fourteen years old when the family moved to Orange, Texas.

Who were your main influences growing up?

My main influences growing up were a loving family, church attendance and school.

Did you go to art school/college for design or are you self-taught?

Art classes were not available to me in school. As an adult, I took life drawing classes at the Rogaland University in Stavanger, Norway while living there. I can’t claim being self-taught because I have taken classes with many noted artist through the years. I have learned by doing what I love to do, paint.

Any advice or tips to novice artists/designers?

I think one of the hardest things I had to learn was to hear constructive critique. There is much to be learned from experienced artist helping cut corners through the learning curve. Develop relationships with other artist.

What has been the most rewarding and challenging project you have worked on?

The most rewarding and challenging project was when I was ask to paint murals on the walls of a 40 year old Gymnasium in Meridian, Oklahoma. The walls were 18 feet high and 83 feet long. Their theme was Trains. I called an artist friend to help me design and paint a train station on the walls from 1900’s. It took three months to complete. It became a source ot pride for the school.

What is your favorite portfolio piece? Why?

My favorite portfolio piece is usually the one I am working on at present, but I must say that “Paris Morning” was the piece that made me realize there was a future for my art. I had saved a photograph I took in the mid 80’s while in Paris, France, thinking I wanted to be able to paint it because of the strong design factor. Finally, it was done and it won several prizes, one being a place in the 12th Annual Oil Painters of America Exhibition in Taos, New Mexico.

What American art or artist inspires you most?

It is hard for me to name just one American artist that inspires me. David Leffel is a Master Painter who I have taken many clases from in past years. Recently, I have taken some inspiring classes from Charles Warren Mundy. People that I admire that are no longer living are Fredrick Taubes, Lajos Markos and Ben Konis all leaving a mark on my career.