I have always been an artist, from finger painting in kindergarten, from a Master's degree to this morning, I have always had paint under my fingernails. When I attended Tulane University, I was the first male undergraduate art major at Newcomb College and was fortunate to have Hal Carney as a teacher and mentor who provided me with the example of life as an artist/teacher.

After getting an MFA at Indiana University, I taught painting and filmmaking at Michigan State, University of New Mexico, Towson University, the Maryland Institute of Art and The University of Maryland Baltimore County. I have been a teacher, painter, filmmaker, exhibit designer, and museum administrator.

The quote under my picture in my high school yearbook said: "Art is the secret to life." I believe it and have tried to live it. Art is my religion.

Describe your art in three words. Strength, mystery and color

Describe yourself in one word. Artist

What do you love the most about creating art in New Orleans? What particular part of your immediate environment, in your neighborhood specifically influences your work? Next to my home, the place I love most in New Orleans is the 1.8 mile walk around Audubon Park, the majestic oaks with the Spanish moss gently swaying in the wind never fail to bring pleasure to my eye and spirit.

Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece? I work directly on the canvas with no preparatory drawings. When the image starts to emerge, when the composition comes into focus, it has the same magic as watching a photograph appear in the developing tray. Every time is magic. I love to paint, I love the feel of the brush on canvas. Oil paint, not acrylic, canvas not board. Oil paint has a special viscosity, and the pressure of the brush to the canvas is the same as a finger touching the skin. There is a sensuality when the brush touches the canvas, a dialogue between the artist and canvas.

In New Orleans, art and music go hand in hand. What type of music, band or song lyric best describes your work? When I begin a painting I listen to music that is high energy like Paul Simon's "Graceland", or Carol King. There are times when the music needs to be more tranquil and almost comforting and I listen to either Smetana's "The Moldau", or Willie Nelson and James Taylor.

Where can we find you when you are not creating art? I read fiction or art history.

All works listed online are available to be viewed at Where Y’Art Gallery by appointment.

Please allow 7-14 days shipping for standard orders. All packages are shipped within the Continental United States through the USPS via Priority Mail with the Tracking. For international shipping prices, shipping on works larger than 24" x 24", rush orders or commissions, log in and send me a private message through the messaging tool on my profile page.