There are times when I work loosely and with great quickness, the paint blossoming into fields of emotion, and other times when I slow down to execute precise draftsmanship. I’m interested in the infinite tones of light and shadow, as well as atmospheric perspective. I tend toward soft light and muted dark colors, sometimes vibrant, and work with layering. Subtle texture and smoothness are also important elements in my work. Striving to create original and authentic imagery is a key point within my continued studies and search. While I try not to get pigeonholed into a specific subject, I feel there is a thematic current that runs through my work. It is evocative of nostalgia, open spaces, and lost places. I also try to find intriguing and extraordinary visual stimuli in the mundane, driving country roads with telephone poles lining the ditch. As sunlight dwindles upon abandoned buildings, wispy trees swoon with lower branches like awnings, the moody sky reflection on water, my ecological concerns are addressed to some extent. I refer to my own photography, use my imagination, and also work outside. A common question people ask is: “Where is this?” A calculated response would be, “I try to create something universal and familiar; it could be anywhere. Sometimes there is a specific location that may or may not be relevant.” My artistic influences include the Italian renaissance, (specifically chiaroscuro and one point perspective) French Impressionism, and the American realism movement of the early and mid-20th century. Vintage films and cinematography inspire my works, too.Generally, I work on canvas, wood panel, cardboard and paper, sometimes mounting the paper. Sometimes I salvage scraps of wood or plywood that I refinish, depending on the effect that I’m hoping to achieve. Having made a living as an independent painting contractor doing home improvements for 20 plus years, I do apply certain hardware store products, but also acrylic, oil and watercolor paint, charcoal and chalk pastel, pencil, and sometimes a little bit of ink. A variety of media keeps me entertained and excited about the process of making art. I was raised in a rural area south of Stoughton, Wisconsin, and grew up helping small family farms. I received some recognition for art at an early age in the local newspaper, and was voted "most artistic" in high school. I graduated with a B.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and currently exhibit in Madison and Stoughton.