I’m a retired software engineer from the aerospace industry who likes to paint.
Investing is my first passion, art is second.
I worked for NASA contractors for 33 years at the Johnson Space Center in
Houston, mostly behind the scenes in mission control. On my lunch break one
day in the 1980’s, I noticed that I could relieve the pressure from this
high-pressure job by doing sketches on a notepad. This was so surprising to me
that it led me to take formal art classes at night at a local junior college as well
as some private lessons. This is how my passion in oil painting began.
I’ve traveled to all 7 continents, to both the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, to
65 countries and Island nations as well as all 50 states in the U.S. Many of
my paintings are scenes from these travels.
The majority of my work is representational and is done exclusively with oil
paints using a brush and/or a palette knife. I have painted ultra-realism in the
past, however, I prefer the impressionistic style. My work is done either
on stretched canvases or archival panels, such as Ampersand Gessobord.
Artist’s Statement
Oil painting to me is intrigue, intimidation, amazement, excitement and a
mystical experience all rolled up into one. It intrigues me that a blank canvas
can be so intimidating until the first line is drawn. It amazes me that a
beautiful painting can be developed with the proper paints and brush strokes.
It excites me when people show an interest in my paintings and it is very
rewarding to see others experience joy from the work of my hand.
All these wonderful feelings contribute to art being a mystical experience
for me. This experience motivates me to continue to paint and try to improve
my skills with each and every painting. Oil painting serves as a creative outlet
for me and as a result, I’m a happier and more fulfilled person.