There are two great things about creating oil paintings during my retirement. First and foremost it seems that one cannot see until you try to duplicate. Whether it's a smile, a sunset, or a seashell; you can never savor its beauty and subtleties until during and after it is rendered on canvas. The great paycheck is learning to see. The second exciting part for me personally is that I can place on canvas all the varied interests and occupations I have been involved with during my lifetime. From Midwest Aquaculture and construction, to being a Biology professor working with wildlife specimens, to the restoration of antiques, historical reenactment, operating a framing gallery, and earning a beauticians license.

Years of research are reflected on canvas, and are originated at the Studio. Backpacking and hiking in the Southwest; living and working along the Oregon coast; months of traveling along back roads and rural areas in Vermont; canoeing and camping in the Midwest. These life experiences are all translated and shared on canvas.

My life as a building contractor has also aided in the construction of studio spaces and easels, as well as other apparatus to make all creative endeavors more time efficient and enjoyable.