Tell us a little bit about yourself …
Well, I’m sort of old. I was born in New Mexico in 1970. When I was a little boy, my aunt drew a picture of me, and I was inspired to draw too. I’ve been hooked ever since. I lived in Italy for four years as a preteen. Being exposed to Renaissance masterpieces stoked those creative flames!
I’m self taught, mostly. Although I never had much formal art education, I took classes with Bill Hamilton and Thomas Cappuccio. Failure and success are my two favorite teachers.
What mediums do you primarily work in, and what’s your favorite?
I’m an oil painter. I dabble in watercolor, and I’m trying to get used to gouache. But I love my oils! I want to try stained glass someday.
What inspires you?
Getting outside! Observing the light and atmosphere of a scene.
What are your strategies when you’re experiencing a creative lull?
First, get outside, get some fresh air, some quiet time, and some exercise. Then, start something. That’s all there is to it for me. Just gotta do it!
All that said, I want to add that my biggest challenge to making art right now is finding the time to do it. There is always a lot going on. The pandemic has forced us to slow down, and I’m trying to keep that pace of life as much as I can. But things happen, we get pulled away. Life demands to be lived, and other lives will affect ours. That’s just the way it goes. Maybe that’s why I’m becoming more and more introverted. I value my John French time!
How has your work evolved over the years?
Before 2013, I painted in thin glazes, building up color and tone one layer at a time. It took forever! After a trip to New Mexico that year, I did an artistic u-turn and started painting with palette knives. About two or three years ago, I started adding more and more brush work back into my art. Now, I combine brushwork with edgy knife strikes. I think my work has gotten more realistic in the past several years, with a touch of fun abstraction.
What do you enjoy most about being a gallery docent?
Although I’m slightly introverted, I enjoy the small groups of people who come in to see our work. Some are chatty, some are not. Sometimes I’m chatty, sometimes I’m not. I enjoy nice, art loving folks! It feels like I’m working at an art fair again, but with AC.
When can we find you at the gallery?
I work Saturday afternoons. I have a full-time day job making surgical implants and devices, so Saturday is my only day I’m available.
Do you have any big art dreams that you’d like to share?
I want to retire from my day job and live off of my art sales!
Any advice for other aspiring artists?
Don’t be so hard on yourself that you can’t share your art. It’s paralyzing to your career. At the same time, don’t be so easy on yourself that you share junk. Strive for excellence, but don’t stress if you fall short from time to time.
