Artist Statement

 

As a Plein Air and Studio artist, I paint in natural surroundings and out in the open. I have always been inspired by nature and the peace within the wilderness. I travel around America to Paint oceans, rivers, snow scenes, tall aspens, sometimes with bison and elk all on the list of subject matter that I enjoy painting.

 

I wish to share the outdoor experience that I have had with nature and my interpretation as an artist with a representational impressionist point of view. I am painting the experience, not a reproduction of the view.  I want to have the viewer want to step into the painting, look around the corner, look up at the aspens, feel the temperature of the day, sense a feeling of the time, hear the sounds of leaves and a the thunder of a distant storm. Through color harmony, pastel pigment, texture and edges, and with a strong concept, good design and composition, I convey this to the viewer and evoke some memories or desires.  When viewers say,  "I know where that is" or “I feel like I want to walk in there with the aspens” or “I wish I was there” that is a successful painting to me.

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I studied Fine Art and Design and graduated with 2 BFAs one in Graphic Design the other in Illustration from Kent State University. I strive for painting with integrity and seeking the truth in subject matter, my painting designs are based on classical oil compositional painting styles with strong emphasis on composition and special attention to light, values and color theory. This contributes to paintings that make stronger emotional connection. "I wish to share the outdoor experience that I have had with nature and my interpretation as an artist with a representational impressionist point of view. I am painting the experience, not a reproduction of the view."

 

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Time Line

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Master Member of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico.

Signature Member of the American Impressionist Society.

2016 Honorable Mention, Santa Fe Plein Air Festival, NM

2015 Best Quick Draw Award, Buffalo Bill Museum Art Auction, Cody Wy

2015 Best of Pastel Award, American Impressionist Society

2015 Brinton Museum, Invitational Miniature show. Sheridan. Wy

2015 Invitational Heart of the West, Masters art show. Coeur d’Alene Resort, Id

2014 Booth Museum Cartersville Ga. Acquisition and Teaching 

2014 Coors Foundation purchase Aspen 3 series. Corporate Collection Denver, Co

2013 American Impressionist National Show, Award of Excellence.

2013 Artist Choice Award Easton Maryland Waterfowl Art show.

2017-2008 Buffalo Bill Museum, Cody, Wy  Invitational Art Auction

2012 Grand Prize Winner “Paint America Top100” Purchase Award, Coutts Museum 

2012 Best of Show, South Eastern Wildlife Expo, Charleston SC 2011. 

2012 People’s Choice Award at the Buffalo Bill Art Show, Quick-Draw & Sale, Buffalo Bill Museum, Cody, Wy

2011 Best of Show & First Place, Windows of the Divine, Evergreen Fine Art Gallery, Evergreen, Co 

 

Publications Articles and books

 

Plein Air Magazine, Western art and Architecture, Pastel Journal and Southwest Art.

American Landscape, Pure Color 2, Best Pastels in America. Best Pastel World.

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Galleries

 

Insight Gallery, Fredericksburg Tx

Settlers West, Tucson Az

Adelente! Gallery, Ashland Or

Horton Hayes Fine Art Gallery, Charleston Sc

Oh-Be-Joyful Gallery, Crested Butte, Co

Saks Gallery, Denver Co

Idol Gallery, Whitefish, Mt

 

 

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Awards and Honors.

 

Selected By SouthWest Art magazine as one of the top ten artist to collect and watch in America.

Feature Article in March 2011 SouthWest Art magazine.

Article 2014 Plein Air Magazine Feb. issue

Article 2014 Western Art and Architecture Jan/Feb

Pastel Book, Pure Color 2, North Light Publication. 2017

 

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Museum shows and Invitationals.

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The Mountain Oyster Club, Western art show. Tucson, AZ

C. M. Russell Auction, C.M Russell Museum, Great Falls, Montana 

Buffalo Bill Art Show, Quick-Draw & Sale, Buffalo Bill Museum, Cody, Wy

The Richard Schmid Art Auction, Rist Canyon, Bellview, Colorado

Masters in Miniature, Settler’s West Gallery, Tucson AZ

C. M. Russell Auction, C.M Russell Museum, Great Falls, Montana 

Summer Show, Settler’s West Gallery, Tucson AZ

A.R. Mitchell Museum, Co. "Invitational Show" 

 

Best of Show, South Eastern Wildlife Expo, Charleston South Carolina 2011

 

The Madden Museum “Windows of the Divine” Denver, Colorado 

 

First Place in Pastel Category world wide, First Annual Autumn Art Challenge on Facebook 

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