How did you get introduced to your craft/medium?   

I have two friends who are both contractors; one in the residential business and one in the commercial arena.  Each had painted for about 8 years at that time.  I invited them to lunch and picked their brains. The message both had for me was, take lessons!

 

What is your process for generating new ideas?

GREAT question.  Being an artist teaches you to see everyday things through a new lens.  This has served as my inspiration.

 

Who are some fellow artists, or artists in general, who have inspired you throughout your career?

The instructors who have had the most profound impact on me are; Roger Dale Brown, Chuck Marshall, Lori Putnam and Tom Post.

 

What type of art is your favorite to create?

I favor impressionism.  Some people think that it's easier than realism, but that is not the case.  It's more spontaneous in my opinion vs realism.

 

How do you define success as an artist?

I think that success is ultimately defined by your audience.  That is, are people buying your work?  If so, you are resonating as an artist.

 

What’s the biggest challenge of being an artist?

Persistence.  Roger Dale Brown calls it ‘canvas miles’.  The more you work at this craft, the better you’ll become.

 

Tell me something about your background that would surprise me.

I raced cars for 20 years before I began to paint.

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How old were you when you started to sell your art?  What other careers have you had?

The first time I picked up a paintbrush I was 61 years old.  My career was as an architect, and I had my own firm for 39 years.

 

Do you enjoy painting outside?

I love to paint en-plein-air (outside) but it is MUCH more difficult than painting in the studio.

 

How can Millcroft Gallery encourage career growth for you?  

Jen and Nikki do a fantastic job of supporting their artists in my opinion.  The name recognition of the gallery and its artists will grow in time.