As an artist, I try to capture the
intensity, passion and emotion
of the athlete, and the everyday person.
I am largely a self-taught artist, and I have been drawing and painting
all my life. I have been influenced by the action and color of LeRoy Neiman and
the portraiture of Dennis Frost. My foremost concern when I paint is the
movement and action of the subject. I want my paintings to move.
When I start to paint, the first thing I do is turn on music which makes
me want to dance. I listen to anything from rock ‘n roll to country to soul to
classical. The important thing is that I can feel the movement. When the mood is
right, I can lose myself in the painting.
When I’m painting well, I’ll paint fast and hungry like I have an
outrageous deadline. When I paint slow and deliberate, my paintings become tight
and the motion slows down to a crawl.
I have a sign in my studio that reads "MORE
PASSION!!!". It is a constant reminder to paint with more intensity.
My best paintings sometimes take the least amount of time.
I usually start with an abstract background for my paintings. I use
large, sweeping splashes of color to create a feeling of movement. I try to let
the colors blend and create themselves.
I want my painting to stand out in a room.
I want it to catch your eye as you turn your head.
I want it to draw you in and hold you there.
I want it to encourage you to come back over and over,
and always see something new.