Over the years my students have been curious about" how I became an artist" and other questions. Here are some answers :
I was in 4th
grade when I knew I wanted to be an artist. Mrs. Donohue, My 4th grade teacher
let be draw through a math class once. I also assisted an
experienced teacher in a summer program when I was in High School. I didn't
know at the time she was the Art Supervisor for Anne Arundel Co. Schools.
I prefer to
paint landscapes. in oil and pastel. I enjoy being outside , in the woods
or along rivers. I feel close to nature and find spiritual sustenance there. I
try to capture the effects of light in the early morning and evenings, the
“golden hour.” But mostly I am attracted to colors and how they change when
they travel in and out of shadow.
I have had
many mentors, living and dead. Artists are constantly learning from other
artists. Andrew Wyeth and Vincent Van Gogh were very early inspirations. Later,
in adulthood, I fell in love with American Impressionism and the painters
of the early 20th cen. Edward Hopper, Rockwell Kent, George Bellows, and the
paintings of Fairfield Porter and the Canadian Tom Thompson. Those guys
still paint better and fresher than many artists working today. Living
mentors were my teachers, Frank Kelly, Duane Sabiston, John Sauers, Eugene
Leake, Robert Stark, and many others . My wife has always supported me emotionally
in producing art. She has always encouraged my art making.
When I met
gallery owner Martha Corscaden in New York, who wanted to show my
work, I was really inspired to produce. I have had annual shows since 2009.
I always liked
teaching. In Boy Scouts I used to give "lectures" on
stuff. I then became an Arts and Crafts camp counselor in high school
through college. I learned a lot on my own. I found teaching
something was the best way to learn something. I always enjoyed sharing what I
had learned. I studied art teaching in college and got a job right out of
school based on all my experience with kids in my summer programs. I”ve been
teaching high school art since 1974.
Advice? Paint what gives you joy.
Paintings are more than just the objects you draw. In my case they are about
light, or color. And Don't be afraid to take risks.There are no mistakes
in art, only adjustments and discovery. When you face your fear you find
your art
