Why do I paint? I paint for many reasons; the pure enjoyment of it; the desire to create something unique; the desire to share with others things that I find noteworthy; the challenge to continually grow as an artist and the desire to express my experiences in a lasting way. The list could go on and on but those are the principle reasons why I paint. 

Two passions have dominated my life - the great outdoors and painting it.   John Muir and Aldo Leopold, both iconic environmental champions in American history, inspired me to work for protecting the natural environment. Artistically, I’m inspired by works of artists such as Nicolai Fechin and Carl Rungius.  I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University in 1981 and subsequently I’ve spent a career as a Biologist for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

My style, media of choice and subject matter have all changed over the years.  At first, being a trained biologist, I sought to portray my subjects as technically accurate as possible.  However it wasn’t long before I realized something was missing.  I felt that my work lacked a sense of emotion and mood. Ultimately I left the studio and began to paint en plein air and found that in the moment connection which allowed the emotion I was feeling to come through. My desire is that I can continue to improve in my abilities as an artist and that my work will be deemed by some as meaningful and pleasurable.

I'm currently a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America, the Artists for Conservation and the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico.  I’m represented by Riverbend Fine Art gallery in Marble Falls, Texas. 

I currently reside in Garland, Texas, with my wife Sharla and our dogs Belle and Gizmo. 

Selected Shows and Awards:

2010: 

American Plains Artist Show, Lincoln, NE.

Salon International, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX

Nomadus del Arte, Southwest Gallery, Dallas TX

Paint the Town, marble Falls, TX

PAAC Juried members Show, Saks Galleries, Denver CO.

2009: Award of Excellence, Oil Painters of America, Western Regional Exhibition, Howard/Mandville Gallery, Kirkland, WS

Salon International, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX
PAPNM Award, Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, Taos, NM Annual Paint Out

Mountain Oyster Club, Fortieth Annual Contemporary Western Art Show and Sale, Tucson, AZ

Honorable Mention, Outdoor Painter Society, Plein Air Southwest, Southwest Gallery, Dallas, TX

Camp Fire USA, Second Annual Invitational Paint Out, Fort Worth Botanic Gardens

2008: Awarded Signature Membership Status, Oil Painters of America

Artist in the Garden, Camp Fire USA Paint Out, 2^nd place Johnston and Matthews Award of Excellence

Top 100, Paint the Parks, National Competition Paint America
17^th Annual Oil Painters of America Exhibition of Traditional Oils, National Show, Missoula, MT.
23^rd Annual Conservatory Art Classic, Clifton, TX 
National Small Oil Exhibit, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita Kansas,

2007: 16^th Annual Oil Painters of America Exhibition of Traditional Oils, National Show, Fredericksburg, TX
Salon International 2007, San Antonio, TX : Jury’s Top Fifty Award.
Telluride Plein Air 2007, Telluride, CO
      
2006: Oil Painters of America (OPA) 15^th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Missoula, Montana
One Man Show, Fairmount Gallery, Dallas Texas
Silver Medal, Old Bank Gallery, 2 Annual Juried National Show, Ada, Ok
2^nd Place, Oils/Acrylics, RCAS, 40^th Annual Regional Show, Richardson, TX
 Invited Artist, Paint Historic Manitou Springs, Plein Air Paint Out, Colorado

2005: PANM, Invitational Exhibition, Ventana Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
Top 100, Arts for the Parks, National Juried Competition
Mini 100, Arts for the Parks, National Juried Competition
Paint in the Park, Estes Park, CO.

Publications featured in:

“A Common Vision”, by Michael and Peggy Lewis, 2008 

Vol.1, “Plein Air Painters of New Mexico”, Jack Richeson Publications, 2006

Professional Affiliations:

Signature Member, Oil Painters of America 

Signature Member, Artist for Conservation

Signature member, Plein Air Painters of New Mexico