I look for beauty and inspiration in the natural forms around me. Flowers, shells, plants, fossils, and other objects from nature inspire me. I strive to create art that celebrates beauty, color, life, and tranquility. In my paintings I hope to share what I see that is genuine, insightful, and life-affirming.
Painting has helped me see more and appreciate more of the natural world. I have been drawn to watercolor as a medium of self-expression. I love the clarity, transparency, and subtlety of watercolor and its capacity to capture light.
My paintings are influenced by my many years working and teaching in graphic design. Composition, color, harmony, and balance work together with type and illustration to tell a story or convey a message in graphic design. The message must be conveyed directly and quickly. I try to give my paintings the directness and immediacy of good graphic design—but by using the muted tones and clear colors that can be achieved in watercolor.
I studied art, drawing, composition, and photography at the University of Dallas and at Allgemeine Gewerbeschule in Basel, Switzerland. The printmaker, Jurgen Strunk was a major influence in my training.
After working as an illustrator and designer at Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Erwin Center of The University of Texas, the Austin American Statesman, and Pro-Ed Publishing, I spent 30 years teaching in the Visual Communications Department at Austin Community College, where I served as chair and professor.
The combination of art and teaching was natural for me. Art enriches our experience and education enables people to build a better life.