Sobre el Artista

Growing up in a rural setting I was privileged with the ability to study the natural world around me. Unlike others, I had an artistic fire that periodically erupted first with pencil then spread to other mediums. Subject matter varied but firmly entrenched in the natural world. Producing several pieces of art during my life, I failed to recognize them as a reflection of the uncultivated talent within me and therefore did not pursue formal training until 2010. Having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005 I continued to work as a technical writer until my symptoms forced me into retirement in July of 2009; I was 62 years old. It is said that things emerge when the time is right, when a person is ready to receive and respond. For me it was December of 2009 when I parked in front of an Art Gallery in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Naturally drawn to art, I surveyed the artwork displayed in the gallery’s window. I was immediately attracted to the artist’s style and entered the studio to view other offerings. I discovered that the paintings were the work of gallery owner and before leaving I signed up for six weeks of oil painting lessons, which would begin in January of 2010. Over the past five years I dedicated every available hour to honing the technical skills necessary to produce quality paintings. Incorporating detail into my work defines my artistic style as “realism”. I believe that inclusion of details produces a close duplication of the subject, which enables me to incorporate emotion within the painting, which is felt by the viewer. If the painting fails to accomplish this task, then the piece is but canvas covered with paint. As my Parkinson’s slowly progresses my “realism” style has been evolving towards an impressionistic – realism, which demands less detail and more freedom of movement.