statement

When speaking about pastel, the terms drawing and painting are often used interchangeably, depending on an artist's application of the materials. However pastel is still often thought of more as a drawing medium. Throughout history however, from La Tour to Degas to contemporary artists, the boundaries of what can be achieved by what are essentially sticks of pure pigment have continued to be pushed. I realized early on their potential for creating works with a finish we normally associate with painting which eventually led to approaching the materials as a painter would.

I began as an artist working in oils and still continue to work in oils today.  However I developed a deep respect for the pastel medium and find it allows me to develop works quickly and produce certain textural effects. I have always looked to painters for inspiration, but at the same time I like the feel and control I have with drawing materials. For a number of years my interest has been to push my work technically toward the feel of painting–however drawing is still at the core of what I do. One might consider that drawing is the foundation of all painting and certainly at the heart of all figurative works–and that painting can be thought of as drawing with paint; good figurative painters are good figurative drawers, there is no separation.

I am in many ways a traditionalist in that I use the approach and subject matter artists have used for centuries. Most of my work is drawn from life, no photographs, so observational drawing is of the utmost importance to me. It defines my personal vision and even if I am seeking an exact representation I understand that my observations are going to be selective. When beginning a work I consider design first, and whether the formal aspects of the composition are working. Initially, subject matter is subservient to these considerations.  I choose those things I want to draw but also things that work, often introducing or combining elements in such a way that suggests a narrative and might cause the viewer to contemplate their meaning.  In many of my pieces the lighting is one directional, exposing a mood and establishing a setting, situation, or some event.  At times objects are introduced as symbols, such as the nest and egg, which act as metaphors or invite an allegorical association.  Some themes are personal and are introduced because they have meaning for me or because the combination of imagery invites questions and is often ambiguous enough to allow the viewer to make his or her own interpretation.

The heightened reality of some of my works and combination of elements may at times create an otherworldly quality. However, it is not my intention to make surreal paintings but rather to explore the surreal nature of the real world.

bio

born:Columbus OH

selected awards/honors

Best Drawing Award, Midwest Regional Competition, Midwest Museum of American Art, Elkhart IN, 2009
Jack Richeson Best of Show Award, Pastel 100 Competition, Pastel Journal Magazine, 2008
Gold Award for Excellence, Pastel 100 Competition, Pastel Journal Magazine, 2000
Best of Show Award, Blank Center for the Arts, Michigan City IN, 1990

selected publications

Southwest Artist Magazine; Œ21 over 31‚; FW Media, V 40, pg 101; November 2010
The Pastel Journal; Pastel 100 Competition, F&W Publications Inc., p 18-21, 57, 58, Issue 58; April 2008
Pure Color, the Best of Pastel; Northlight Books; P 49,125; 2006
Contemporary American Oil Painting; Jilin Fine Art Publishing House, P 178-183; 2000

selected solo or two-person exhibits

Daughtrey Gallery, Hillsdale College, Solo Exhibition, Visiting Artist Series, Hillsdale MI, 2010
Miller Gallery, Realities‚, Exhibition of New Work, Cincinnati OH, 2010
Gruen Galleries, Solo Exhibition, Chicago IL, 2002
Byron Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Indianapolis IN, 1999

selected group shows

Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Realism Biennial, Ft Wayne IN, 2010
Miller Gallery, New Works by Gallery Artists, Cincinnati OH, 2007
Olglevie Pertle Gallery, Group Exhibition, Chicago IL, 2006
Miller Gallery, 45th Anniversary Exhibition, Cincinnati OH, 2005