2. What are the basic steps to becoming such a wonderful Artist?
Well, thank you for that evaluation but it is all a matter of taste. I have known many accomplished
and talented artists, each of whom took very different paths. I believe that people are just born with certain aptitudes and
passions. If they are fortunate enough to thrive in an environment that supports them, then their abilities will develop.
3. If you were stranded on a desert Island, what things would you want to have with you?
Assuming that companionship is not an option? Or is it? Because that raises several more questions.
What about a computer with high speed internet? A gas barbeque with an endless supply of chicken and teriyaki sauce.
A cooler with an endless supply of Belgian ale. A DVD player and a Netflicks account. Books? yeah sure. Throw in some books.
4. When did you develop the first piece of art that you were truly proud of? What was it?
There were many seminal pieces starting in my early teens. Each one was leaps and bounds of advancement
beyond the previous. However, I did a painting titled "Devotion" when I was 17 that was my first to ever get published or
exhibited. I am still proud of it.
5. What are your biggest inspirations? Favorite Artists?
There have been many in the course of my career. When I was very young in the early 70's, I was most
influenced by the psychedelic of the time with artists like Peter Max. Later, I met my mentor, a Visionary artist named Gage
Taylor. Since then, I have progressed through periods of influences by almost every major European and American period from
the Renaissance up through Pop Art. The American Hudson River artists like Church and Moran were particularly big influences,
as well as the great illustrators like Maxfield Parrish and NC Wyeth.
6. Do you listen to music when you paint? What kind?
It has honestly been quite a few years since I painted on a regular basis, but when I did, I was
just as likely to have the TV on as music. I enjoy classic rock, jazz, classical. However, music is not essential to my art.
7. How many hours a week do you devote to Art?
These days, I work regular hours as an art director for a company that produces computer games. When
I painted full time, my schedule varied depending on many factors.
8. What are some do's and don'ts that you can give to the up and coming young Artists out there?
For anyone considering a career in the visual arts, I'd suggest researching the many options other
than the traditional gallery route. There is commercial illustration, computer graphics, fashion design, film, games, etc.
9. How do you see Art changing for the future?
I'm not sure that I completely understand the question, but I honestly think that the so-called fine
art world has reached full saturation. I think that the most talented artists are moving into other media.
10. Please tell me about your experiences with DreamWorks.
I worked as a digital matte painter on SHREK 2, due for release this summer. All work was done in
Photoshop on the computer. It was a cool job and I was sorry that it didn't last longer.
11. How would you describe you style of Art?
I am really a chameleon working in many different styles, but I received the most recognition for
my visionary/fantasy work.
12. Do you have a style that you like over your other styles?
Not really.
13. What other studies, hobbies or learnings have assisted you in portraying your Art?
I traveled all over Europe visiting all of the major art museums and actually learned quite a bit
about composition and technique by studying the great masterpieces up close. I have also studied, philosophy, mysticism and
theoretical physics. I have striven to find and express a continuum of truth in each of these fields.
14. Tell me the history behind what I consider your best piece of art.... Portrait of Michelle Pfeiffer
I had recently completed an epic panoramic landscape and was ready to approach a more intimate subject
for a different challenge. I thought that a well-known likeness would be more interesting than someone that I knew, so I chose
the lovely actress.
15. Could you see yourself doing more pictures along the lines of the pre-Raphaelites?
Not anymore. My naive, romantic days are behind me.
16. If there was ever one defining moment in your life, what was it?
In my art career, it was probably meeting my mentor, Gage Taylor when I was in my teens. That set
a whole chain of events into motion. More recently, it was the birth of my beautiful daughter.
17. Anything that I may have missed that you'd care to comment on?
If it is not evident from the answers that I have already given, I have moved on in my career from
the work of my younger years. As an art director, I now create and supervise the production of all the visual content for
computer games.
18. What challenges do you still want / need to fulfill?
I have written several manuscripts for children's books, one of which I have completely illustrated.
I have been seeking publication for it. Ultimately, I would like to direct the animated versions of my stories.
