Like most artists I began with a childhood interest in drawing.  With encouragement from an established artist I decided to pursue art as a career.  I attended the Art Students League in New York City where I learned the rudimentary skills of oil painting.

I continue to learn by analyzing the works of master artists I admire.  My current favorites artists include William Bouguereau, Carl Bloch, and Nelson Shanks.  As I study their techniques, use of color and painting styles I find my own direction. 

While most of my work has focused on painting the still life; recently I have been drawn to paint the figure.  Still life painting allows time to study, analyze and develop the painting in the studio setting without interruption.   As my competence to see and develop a painting has increased and as I am more confident of my skills, I have broadened my visual vocabulary by painting the figure.  I believe it is through the figure that emotion and feelings are most directly conveyed.