Every note our oldest son writes, plays or produces.

Too many to name – The Bible, bios, classics, how to’s, Dr. Seuss… Hey, I raised six kids.

The old classic black and whites or anything G/PG (some PG-13’s) that are clean, educational, exciting, fun, heartfelt or interesting. reoccurring nightmares and memories. Don’t take me wrong, a true work of art is a work of art no matter what its rated. At this point in life, however, I just choose to upload the more positive, wholesome images that will fill up what remaining memory space there's left in my melon. Besides what modern shootfest can compare with Errol Flynn as Robin Hood, or Emmy Rossum’s voice in the Phantom of the Opera, or King Louis’ jazz in Disney’s, The Jungle Book? Think about it…

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My Studio: Upstairs in a 1950's farmhouse on a 150 acres in the Appalachian Mountains, one comfortable room has been converted into a conservative, but inspiring, place to create. A light-table and cutting board run along the north wall. Spanning the entire south wall from floor to ceiling two large-scale easels (for mural panels) hang side-by-side. To the east, a 4ft x 4ft drafting table stands against tongue & groove knotty pine, and aside the west window overlooking a half-acre vegetable garden sets the six foot painters easel.

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Mediums and Surfaces: Ninety percent of my work these days is with acrylics on linen, artboard, tins, and various textiles and interiors. I still do some work with illustration markers on artboard and paper; or colored pencil on paper. Some mixed mediums. Hoping to have one to two oils out by Christmas 2008.

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Tools of the Trade: I use primarilly Kolinsky sable brushes and Golden, Utrecht and Old Holland artist colors and mediums. My airbrushes are the H&S Colani and an Iwata CM-SB. Color pencils and markers of choice are Prismacolors.

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Art Markets: Fine Art, book illustration, poster art, murals, greeting cards or whatever the client wants. I don't do vice of any kind.

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My Favorite Quotes:

"Lord, grant that I may always desire [to do] more than I can accomplish." ~ Michelangelo

"If you can dream it, you can do it.” Walt Disney

“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of craftsmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship."

“…and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans that they may make all that I have commanded…” ~ Exodus 31:3-6

Some of the subtle strokes of color that highlight my life: The contented smile of my wife from across a crowded room; getting to work next to her everyday; my kids – every minuscule detail about them; love, trust and people who care; friends who know they can count on you; students who want what you have to offer; and phone calls from our two grown kids. There’s nothing like the freedom of homeschooling; Japan, and our best friends, Keisuke and Hiroko; octopus balls and sushi; airports; the outdoors in all seasons; the farm, whitetail deer grazing on the back forty; roosters that crow at caterpillars; writing poetry on rainy days; steaming mocha-cappuccinos on snowy days; and everything about mornings. I once stood atop a mountain at sunrise and on the beach at sunset of the same day. That was a splendiferous day. Finishing anything inspires me to do more; that moment after staring all day at the canvas when the vision finally appears; those times when every brushstroke is perfect; giving gifts; a venti-mocha-chip and a vacant leather chair at Barnes & Noble; Christmas morning; anyone who agrees that Ben Franklin should be removed from the $100 bill for coming up with Daylight Savings Time; and knowing the God through Whom all such good things and folks come.

Initially, I wrote a long list of turn offs. Then, I realized I was getting really turned off by writing down all the things that turn me off. Time is too precious to focus on the unavoidable negatives. Best to keep your momentum moving forward. Unless, of course, what you are striving for is behind you.

What do I like to do when I’m not painting or with family… Hmm? To name just a few: Leatherworks, woodcarving and turning, fly-fishing, archery, cosmic bowling w/ the kids, travel, hiking the wilderness, exploring the unknown whenever possible, and writing. Although, the written word for me is more of a pleasure, privilege and purpose than it is a hobby. I still believe that there is nothing more romantic or meaningful than a hand-written letter. Except maybe those plastic pre-paid gift cards from Home Depot. Ya know, the ones that come in the handy little tins?