I was influenced as a child by the artistic talents of my Father, and inspired by his friends Larry Prellop & Donald Vann. I was fascinated with impressionism in my late teens and early 20's and found inspiration from Monet. In my late 20's my exposure to Frank Frazetta, Alberto Vargas, & Georgia O’Keefe influenced my creative process. In my mid 30's my influences were drawn from a large collection of books on watercolor techniques including publications from Cheng Kee Chee and Lian Zhen, and were further influenced by critiques from local artists.
I studied Art while in grade school and through my entire education process. I continued to seek out more information and knowledge after graduating from school. I received training from Cheng Khee Chee, studying multiple watercolor techniques, and I joined the San Antonio Watercolor Group. I am currently a member of the Texas Watercolor Association. I have had the benefit of experience in the printing industry for the last 24 years and this experience has facilitated a keen eye for detail and color. My experience from the print industry has made me aware of precision adjustments.
When I paint, I approach every painting as if I was painting for myself. Each piece that I produce I feel an attachment to, because it is an extension of me and my feelings at that time and expressed on paper. When I part with an original, it feels like I’m sharing a piece of myself – part of my soul with the person.
One technique that I use is the application of watercolor in a loose fashion. Laying down heavy watercolor coverage and searching for the images that need to be revealed; It is very peaceful to allow the spontaneity of the paint application to play a part in the creation of the finished project. After the initial application, the painting is further enhance with glazing to create tone and value variation. There will never be two paintings that are the same, because of this unique technique.
My oil painting techniques include more structure, and require patience and planning for subject matter. I begin a painting with oils after I have toned the canvas and use both a wet into wet painting technique and wet into dry technique. I allow the oil paintings to dry for days or weeks in between layers, and accomplish completion and final touches by glazing to achieve the desired result. I take the opportunity to focus on subject matter, value and color theory when oil painting.
I want to share a feeling of freedom and happiness with my watercolors and with people who can see and feel what I do when viewing my art. The loose techniques are used to reinforce and generate feelings. An emotional reaction drawn from the viewer with visually stimulating movement and color combinations is what I am trying to accomplish by sharing my artwork.
When I paint with oils, I want to express beauty and expose unexpected creative combinations of everyday things. I am always trying to think outside of the box for techniques and tools and enjoy the adventure of Creating Art and the feelings of accomplishment from that creation.