I express myself in two fine art mediums: oil paints and pastels. All of my paintings are composed from my own photographs or live sketches. I spent a short period of time in Great Britain and the North Boston seacoast area of Massachusetts. The photos from my trips have served as the subject matter for many of my recent paintings. I would describe myself as an impressionistic artist.

Oil  Paintings
My oil paintings are done on stretched canvases or masonite panel boards. My approach typically involves a series of mini-sketches. The canvas is then blocked-in with large masses using a thin tone wash. I build the painting up by comparing the relationship of color and value. At this stage I am constantly altering the drawing, color, value, light and edges, until I am satisfied they are correct. I then begin color glazing using Copal Medium mixed with small amounts of paint I let every glaze dry thoroughly before applying additional layers, which makes this a lengthy process. 

Pastels
My pastel paintings are drawn on Mi-Tients or Wallis pastel paper. I use a variety of soft pastels, such as: Rembrandt, Winsor & Newton, Nupastel and Sennelier. The first stage is a block-in of  line and masses. The color is built up and mixed right on the paper itself. I blend and push the pastel with my fingers and pastel brushes. I use a fixative spray to protect the painting.

My pursuit in art is really just copying what God has so beautifully created all around us. I believe what makes a painting successful is more than capturing the natural characteristics; it is to feel the emotions, expression of mood, spirit and personality of the subject. It is a humbling and joyful journey, and I will be forever thankful for God’s gift. It is my desire to glorify him in all that I do.

Commissions
1998
Portrait of Ragen, The Jekkals Family, Lighthouse Point, FL.
1999
Portrait of Diana & Frances, Frances Gartzke, Germany
Portrait of the Pageau Children, The Pageau Family, Lombard, IL.
Portrait of Mother Bates, Gwen Bates, Elmhurst, IL.
2000
Portrait of the Rourke Children, Cindy Rourke, Lincolnwood, IL.
Portrait of the Veldman Children, The Veldmans, Downers Grove, IL.
2001
Portrait of Mother Golf, Maria Golf, Palatine, IL.
Series of Portraits for the Heritage Science Center
Trinity Christian College. Palos Heights, IL..
Portraits of the Donner Children, Bonita Krozel, Western Springs, IL.
2002
Portrait of Family and Horse, Bonita Krozel, Western Springs, IL.
Wedding Portrait of Mr. & Mrs. Krozel, and Mr. & Mrs. Donner, Bonita Krozel, Western Springs, IL,
2003
Portrait of Luke, The Jekkals Family, Lighthouse Point, FL.
Portrait for library, Lombard CRC, Lombard IL.
2004
Portrait of Mr. & Mrs. Orrico, Mrs. Orrico, Oak Brook, IL.
Portrait of Peter, The Higley Family, Wheaton Il.
Portrait of the Girls, The Dunn Family, Hinsdale, IL.
2005
Portrait of Daniel, The Higley Family, Wheaton, IL.
Portrait of the Buddig Family, Robert Buddig, Hinsdale, IL.

Awards
1998
Elmhurst Art League Spring Show & Fall Show
1999
Downer Grove Fine Arts Festival
2000
Elmhurst Art League Spring Show
2001
Best of Show - Elmhurst Art League Spring Show
2003
Elmhurst Art League Spring Show
1st Place - Wheaton’s Fine Art Fair
Best In Oils - Art In The Barn
Elmhurst Art League Fall Show
2004
Elmhurst Art League Spring Show & Peoples Choice
Best of Show & Best In Oil - Art in The Barn
2005
Purchase Award  Art on the Square - Belleville
2006
Best of Show - Chicago Pastel Painters
The Art Spirit Foundation Award for Excellence in Pastel
2007
Elmhurst Spring Members Show