Madonna with Cigarette

Your style seems to pull classical painting together with a very modern sensibility. How did you arrive at your distinct style?

I have always loved art. I grew up in the DC Metro area which as a child gave me a great chance to explore all the free museums.  This exposed me to a lot of art history, from the classical architecture many of the buildings have to various time periods and styles of painting and sculpture.

I have always been drawn to the human figure. I love when an artist gets it right.

There is nothing more special than being able to revel in a painting that truly celebrates the human condition.  After modernism a lot of artists got so pulled into the idea they want to communicate that they sometimes forget the craft that goes into making art. It’s like the idea is so important that aesthetics come second.  Please don’t misinterpret me – I love a lot of contemporary art and tend to spend more time in the modern section of museums than not.  But a lot of my art education comes from studying the classics which never forgets aesthetics; it’s all about the ideal form.  I may paint using a more traditional style, but my values are very contemporary and I have never been good at hiding my opinions.  My ideals and beliefs are in everything I create, whether I’m trying to make a point or not.  An individual’s personality will always shine through in their art.

Next >>