Being born into a family of artists seems unusual to most people. However, for me it couldn’t have been more natural. My first communication was not in words, but in paint and brush strokes. I have been told that my grandfather painted to me before I could talk and I answered back with strokes of color. With both of my parents being thriving professional artists, I always knew there was no other path for me. I never wondered what I was going to be when I grew up. I just knew what I was, an artist. There are many forms of great art in the world, but I found my passion with painting, predominately in watercolors and sidelining with acrylics. I learned early on that a painting means nothing if it does not evoke an emotion in the viewer. I have found that if I paint what I love, then I am successful at achieving this emotion. I paint things that I’m deeply connected to, and people plug in to that emotion and connect with my painting.
My inspiration comes from being an avid waterman, whether from surfing, fishing on our boat, or kayaking under the evening sky. If I’m on the water, then I am home. The Chesapeake Bay has provided me with countless hours of inspiration and amazement. Life lessons are learned and angst is lost, as the Bay becomes my comforter. One great thing about being a professional artist is that I never forget to open my eyes to the beauty of the world. The sunset, the light on a tree, the golden reflection on the water…all of this is my research and my salvation.