Artist's Statement
In reviewing my work and trying to describe it, I find that, in my more successful paintings, I go beyond treating my subjects visually as 'things', and represent them energetically. If, as some are suggesting, the 'real world' is actually made up of waves of energy, I see and express my subjects that way. I try to do so by using light, rhythms, and motion to 'charge' my work. When I'm at my best, I'm working intuitively in a relaxed but energized mind state. Most of my subjects are upper Midwestern and include northern Lake Michigan's Wisconsin and Michigan shorelines, agricultural themes, and the geometrical rhythms I see in clusters of buildings and 'townscapes'. Old cars and tractors are simply fun. I paint places and scenes that are familiar and dear to me, but my most interesting work happens when I re-imagine these familiar scenes into 'mindscapes'.
I'm not a professional artist. In my other life, I'm a retired School Psychologist. I've been painting off and on for about 20 years. I'm self taught although I seek out useful criticism and study on my own. I value having my own style more than developing technical mastery or sophistication. I have had my work featured in several galleries in both Wisconsin and Michigan, and have participated in numerous juried shows. I have also done a number of house and building 'portraits' on commission.
Although I like most of my paintings, none of them quite measure up to what I had envisioned them to be, and I doubt they ever will. Thus, my life as a painter is a work in progress (as is my life as a man). As with most worthwhile things we pursue in life.... 'It's the journey'.
Please visit the Artwork Page to see an extensive collection of my paintings.