I create art for emotional connection; for myself with the natural environment, and for the viewer with the subject matter. The most satisfying reaction I can receive from someone observing my paintings is an emotional one. Whether it’s wonderment or serenity, it’s gratifying to know a meaningful connection has been achieved.

Formerly from Detroit, where the horizon line is one city block, my visionary aesthetics for the past 45 years have been influenced indelibly by the vastness of space afforded through the Southwest landscape. The desire to capture and convey that sensation of vastness, to inspire awe, drives me forward.

My style is within the Plein Air tradition, whether produced outdoors or in my studio. My paintings of the mountain foothills behind my California home reflect my love of tonalism, while my work of desert monoliths of the Southwest trends toward my captivation with abstracted realism. Whether painting the mountains of California, or the majesty of its coastline, I’m passionate about capturing its inexpressible beauty.

I received my formal training at Mt. San Antonio Community College and Ohio University (Professor Ronald Kroutel). Upon discovering the unique properties of soft pastel, and committing myself to the medium, I pursued advanced training with such notable pastelists as Richard McKinley, Bill Cone, Terri Ford, Kim Lordier, Lorenzo Chavez, Sally Strand and Albert Handell.