I can't remember a time in my life when I wasn't involved in something artistic. I studied art education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, drawing at Virginia Commonwealth University, and a class here and there at every step along life's journey, always wanting to learn more and become better equipped as an artist. In the late 90s, I had the opportunity of studying commercial illustration with Semyon Bilmes (internationally known artist and illustrator who now leads Atelier Maui). After a time in the illustration business, I was drawn toward oil painting through the work of artists such as Michael Dudash and Chris Hopkins who I had the privilege of connecting with through the Masterpiece Christian Artists Conferences.
When you feel called to be an artist, as I do, no matter what's going on in your life you keep pressing on. Sometimes much slower than you'd like, but you are driven with that desire to convey something of the beauty that God surrounds us with every day. I am thankful for this calling and just have a desire to be faithful and keep moving forward! |