Artist Statement

   My artwork is driven by music.  I am a jazz and classical guitarist who expresses my love of music through art.  As I listen to music, I draw and handprint my work using the music to set the mood of each art piece. Like practicing my muscial instrument daily, I immerse myself in drawing each day to improve my artistic expression; it is an essential ritual in my life.

   The play of light and shadow is my primary focus.  I refer to photographic images as I draw in charcoal.  I love the tactile process of working layers of charcoal on paper and building a two-dimentional image into an image that appears three-dimentional.   I attempt to make my drawing photorealistic and employ my style of drawing to enhance the work.  When I am successful, the image looks like it lifts off the page.  The process of handprinting on an etching press takes hours and each print takes on the texture of the paper and has a unique character born of the way the plate is inked.  There is a special patina that is the residue of the lithograph process. It is a "labor of love" where there is a surprise every time.  

    When I work on portraits, I try to capture the essence of the musician.  The intent of my Jazz Masters Print Series is to honor the jazz musicians who have given us so much wonderful music.  As I work on my Vintage Watch Series, I attempt to illuminate the essence of the era in which the watches were made and worn.