Art is a window to my existence: my deepest feelings, emotions, beliefs, and my visual interpretation of the world around me. I feel I have been given a special gift to see the beauty in the "little things" in life. I have a chance to re-create and enhance the world around me. My artistic goal is to allow others to view the world through my "Artist’s Eye" and to experience the powerful beauty in life that they may have overlooked; whether it is a drop of water on a leaf, a spectacular sunset, or a breathtaking view out of the window. Creating art gives me the chance to take risks and seek new challenges to grow as an artist. If I enjoy creating my artwork then someone else will also enjoy viewing it. When I am inspired or artistically "sparked" I drop everything and pursue that vision until I see it successfully on paper or canvas. I consider myself an Abstract Naturalism Expressionist- "The difference between Abstraction and Realism is based on philosophy as well as perceptions. Reality lies less in the surface appearance than in how nature is experienced. Abstraction is a matter of perspective and composition. Sometimes what we see can appear abstract but in reality is REALLY as it appears in nature." The physical act of painting is as important if not more important than the finished product. The canvas becomes alive, mobile, vibrant and full of energy and I use objects and materials with a variety of textures, history and personal meaning. Examples of my photographic artwork combine natural images with Digital Technology. I use the computer to manipulate my images and refine or abstract them, so that I can achieve the finished image that I have pictured in my mind. Always thinking with the mind of a painter, the computer screen is my "workable canvas" and a window to my artistic visions.

After spending my childhood through high school years happily creating artwork, I studied Art at University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. In 1984, I received a BFA in Fine and Applied Art/ Painting. I also studied Photography, Ceramics and Art Education. Besides raising a family and creating art in my spare time, I have been employed as a Professional Picture Framer, specializing in creative matting and framing design. Many of my paintings and photographs have been purchased throughout the years by friends, relatives, artistic admirers, and private collectors. All of my images are available in larger sizes up to 24x36- prices will be quoted upon request.