Artist Statement
I've been painting in my mind for more years than I can say,
but something always held me back; an indescribable hesitancy, a nagging idea
that I wouldn't be great, be good or even be competent. So I continued on with
my chosen field of artistic endeavor; the theatre. I directed play after play, I
still do, designing the sets, placing the props and manipulating the actors as
if they were...paint on a canvas. I never recognized this at the time. It's only
now, as I reflect on the events of the past two years, that I see it clearly. It
wasn't until Christmas of 2010 when my wife presented me with the various tools
of the trade; easel, brushes, paint and canvas; and whispered lovingly in my ear
those unforgettable words "There. Now shut up and paint," that I began this
journey. I expected to fail, expected to fall and fully expected to pack away my
new toys within a matter of weeks.
I was wrong.
Soon I was painting every day. Having never taken a single art class, I
learned from various online artists. It was amazing to see the range of styles
available on the internet. I explored styles in acrylic painting and soon found
one that spoke to me, resonated with my inner earth child. My wife and I own a
cabin in the middle of nowhere (actually it's on the top of a hill in
Prattsburgh, NY) and I have always felt a strong connection with nature and the
earth. So it was natural for me to gravitate towards landscapes. I am soothed by
the look of nature, the soft curve of a lone tree, the lush feel of grass
between my toes, the inviting reflection of a hidden pond. And so this is why I
paint what I paint. In my very short time in the art show circuit I have managed
to gain the reputation as "The Tree Guy" and have been referred to as such by
total strangers.
After two years of practicing and perfecting techniques, developing color
choices and realizing that each painting has a story, I have begun to realize
that this is no longer an experiment for me, but a true vocation. And, while the
idea of truly surviving as an artist seems a daunting challenge, it is a
challenge that excites and inspires me every day. I have taught for years and
directed theatre for more, now I am ready to take on this new direction in my
life. The struggles and doubts that accompany any artistic endeavor are always
with me, but I understand that without those doubts the work never improves. My
intent is to go deeper and deeper within each painting. As the work improves I
feel that the depth (both visual and metaphorical) of each painting comes into
focus. I have a friend who looks for the "hidden Ninja" in each of my paintings.
While I intend no such "hidden Ninjas", it thrills me to think that he sees
enough depth to imagine that they are there.
but something always held me back; an indescribable hesitancy, a nagging idea
that I wouldn't be great, be good or even be competent. So I continued on with
my chosen field of artistic endeavor; the theatre. I directed play after play, I
still do, designing the sets, placing the props and manipulating the actors as
if they were...paint on a canvas. I never recognized this at the time. It's only
now, as I reflect on the events of the past two years, that I see it clearly. It
wasn't until Christmas of 2010 when my wife presented me with the various tools
of the trade; easel, brushes, paint and canvas; and whispered lovingly in my ear
those unforgettable words "There. Now shut up and paint," that I began this
journey. I expected to fail, expected to fall and fully expected to pack away my
new toys within a matter of weeks.
I was wrong.
Soon I was painting every day. Having never taken a single art class, I
learned from various online artists. It was amazing to see the range of styles
available on the internet. I explored styles in acrylic painting and soon found
one that spoke to me, resonated with my inner earth child. My wife and I own a
cabin in the middle of nowhere (actually it's on the top of a hill in
Prattsburgh, NY) and I have always felt a strong connection with nature and the
earth. So it was natural for me to gravitate towards landscapes. I am soothed by
the look of nature, the soft curve of a lone tree, the lush feel of grass
between my toes, the inviting reflection of a hidden pond. And so this is why I
paint what I paint. In my very short time in the art show circuit I have managed
to gain the reputation as "The Tree Guy" and have been referred to as such by
total strangers.
After two years of practicing and perfecting techniques, developing color
choices and realizing that each painting has a story, I have begun to realize
that this is no longer an experiment for me, but a true vocation. And, while the
idea of truly surviving as an artist seems a daunting challenge, it is a
challenge that excites and inspires me every day. I have taught for years and
directed theatre for more, now I am ready to take on this new direction in my
life. The struggles and doubts that accompany any artistic endeavor are always
with me, but I understand that without those doubts the work never improves. My
intent is to go deeper and deeper within each painting. As the work improves I
feel that the depth (both visual and metaphorical) of each painting comes into
focus. I have a friend who looks for the "hidden Ninja" in each of my paintings.
While I intend no such "hidden Ninjas", it thrills me to think that he sees
enough depth to imagine that they are there.
