The Moment Art Came Alive: My Early Inspiration
“My passion for art ignited during my childhood when six homemakers, including my mother, visited my elementary school after training at the Toledo Museum of Art. They introduced me to Van Gogh, Seurat, Monet, Picasso, Whistler, and Homer, weaving tales of their techniques, historical context, and inspirations. From that moment, I knew I wanted to become an artist.”
“Every child is an artist… the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” — Pablo Picasso, a noted quote by Paul
Bringing Landscapes to Life Despite Color Blindness
“Despite grappling with color blindness that blurs distinctions between reds, greens, browns, blues, and purples, I work through this challenge through meticulous study and exploration of colors in my subjects. While I perceive colors differently than others, my heightened sensitivity to contrast fuels my fascination with weather dynamics and motion.
In my artistic endeavors, I strive to infuse the canvas with vibrancy, employing a rich palette and dynamic brushwork to evoke a subtle resonance that brings my landscapes to vivid life. My ultimate goal is to invite viewers to share in the narrative and emotions I uncover during my explorations.”
Sketching the Carter-Reagan Era
“As my interest in art blossomed, so did my fascination with politics during the tumultuous era of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. I melded these interests into a career as an editorial cartoonist, fortunate to have my work published in esteemed newspapers like the Findlay Courier, Toledo Blade, BGSU News, and UT Collegian. In 1984, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Bowling Green State University, merging my majors in Life Drawing and Painting with studies in Political Science and History.”
From Bold Views to Joyful Canvases
“In my art school days, I channeled my passion into bold, provocative paintings reflecting my views. Today, my canvases celebrate the happiness and fulfillment I’ve discovered along the way, inviting others to share in my enthusiasm for life through art.”
Balancing Life and Art: My Late-Career Revival
“Post-graduation, I navigated toward Advertising and Marketing, building a fulfilling career while balancing marriage, children, and coaching soccer. For thirty-five years, painting took a back seat—until now.
Encouraged by my family, I am finally pursuing my lifelong dream of being a full-time artist as I head towards retirement. Inspired by family vacations along the beaches of Northern Michigan, where I captured scenes through photographs, I now paint landscapes that reflect the joy I’ve found throughout my life’s journey.”
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