I have been a subscriber to Art Calander for many years.  I recall the early publications that always held my interest from cover to cover.  Thank you for your committment to artists and for providing easily accesible business information available every month.

Residing in Algonquin, Illinois with my studio in Crystal Lake, Illinois I know the commitment needed to go to the studio and make art every day. I have been in my present studio for about 2 years, previously I moved between 4 studio within 12 years. Previous to these wonderful work spaces, I used a spare bedrrom, as a studio, or when I was in high school my easel and, paints and stool whre in my bedroom.   My art and stduio work is "my life's work."  When I began painting with oils at the age of 12 and acrylics at 15 with Lanier Densmore, of Jacksonville, FL, I was quite aware that the term "artist" would define me and my life.  My childhood love of art, and early exposure to art museums and artist materials fueled my passion.   Art kept me grouned and focused during the  struggles of growing-up in a militaray family during the time of the Vietnam War, with the many moves (8 schools in 12 years) and the constant of being "the new kid in class."

 In late 1999 I began revisiting those times (1965- 66 and 68-69)) when the world was changing, and innocence was lost by an entire nation.  Over rhe course of 7 years I worked on a series of paintings that developed into an entire body of work that represents one year in the life of my family, an American Military family during the early years of the war in Vietnam.  This body of work is titled "Memories of an Era, Refelections of Our Time."  I have exhibit these large format oil on canvas paintings regionally and nationally.  View my gallery to peek at the exhibit.

My artist profile, and "Memories on an Era" have appeared nationally on PBS Real Simple Television, (check your local listings),  PBS WTTW 11 Chicago, Fox News Chicago, and NPR and Chicago Public Radio, and in many newspaper publications.   Presently and until June 08 my work will be on exhibit at the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chicago.  www.nvvvam.org

The works on my web site represent a small portion from 15 years of my more than 35 years of creating and exhibitng art.  I love what I do and cannot imagine any other life.  To create something that could make a difference in the world is an honor that I do not take for granted.  My style is considered very unique, with representation that takes the viewer into a new world that seems familiar.  I am also an art educator with a Masters in Art Education....yes, Art Educators CAN also be successful, artists. 

You can see more of my work and view my work at www.soldnerfineart.com. 

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