I was born in San Francisco and raised on the peninsula, just south of the city. After graduating high school, I attended the College of San Mateo, where I received my degree in graphic arts. I spent 4 years the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena California - graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Illustration in 1980. For the next 22 years, I freelanced as an illustrator in the advertising field. I concentrated mainly on sports and wildlife subjects, working for the National Football League, various baseball teams, The Nature Company - and for zoos, aquariums and museums. I illustrated a number of children's books, including: My ABC Book, "The Living Rainforests" and the illustrations were awarded in the Communication Arts Annual in 2002. Around the same time, I became interested in the immediacy of the Plein Air approach, and started painting in the East Bay Hills, near my home. I soon had a collection of works and began to show in galleries and join Plein Air events. My style changed almost overnight! Although, my approach remained intact, utilizing solid drawing skills and protraying strong graphic shapes. Painting outdoors has become a passion. I continue to participate in a number of Plein Air events annually in California and beyond. Each has it's own unique topography, light and challenges - which forces me to keep my work fresh and loose.