I teach introduction to drawing, a studio class and figure drawing (sometimes known as life drawing) – how to capture a live, three-dimensional figure. The key is value and shape. I was the first of 11 siblings to go to college and I’ve always had an interest in history. I'm a member of the Society of Illustrators. After retiring from the Army, I became involved in the Air Force Arts Program, which documents the history of military aviation through art. I’ve been on four assignments. One was spending time at Andrews Air Force Base documenting President Barack Obama. From that I painted a piece entitled “Welcome Home Mr. President.” I got involved in this Portrait Project after Linda (Staiger) sent out a call for artists. It seemed right down my alley. I’m fascinated by it. As an artist, I’ve become more aware of painting people. In the last four months I’ve been working on more portrait pieces. Being a part of this project inspired that. 

Medium: Oil. Acrylic. Pastels. Watercolor. Pencil. 

Background: Bachelor and Masters in Fine Art. Has been an adjunct professor in Virginia Commonwealth University’s art program since 2004.