Most of my originals are painted plein aire (outdoors). Some are painted from photographs that I have taken when I was inspired at a certain moment, especially when in locations with much beauty, and the moment needed to be captured quickly. There is a story and a mood behind each piece. I use pastels which is my favorite medium as well as oils depending on my mood. When I can make use of a live model, I love to experiment with many mediums and study the human figure. I also enjoy doing portraiture, especially of young children and capturing their expressions. I love to see the reaction of art lovers, whether it be showing them a portrait that I have completed, or simply showing at an art event. I have used pastels for about 20 years, and more recently I have been using oils. I studied drawing and painting the human figure majoring in fashion illustration at the Art Institute of Philadelphia during the late 80's, graduating in 1987. Two months after graduating, I began working with Alfred Angelo Bridals as the fashion illustrator for Michelle Piccione. All throughout the 90's, I gained many skills in the fashion advertising industry involving graphic design, art direction and illustration, including portraiture. My landscapes are self-taught only since the new millennium. I studied with Karl Kuerner, a well-known Brandywine Valley Artist who was mentored by Andrew Wyeth. It was he who introduced me to oils. I love to share this knowledge by teaching art to adults and children with classes held at Chester County Art Association in West Chester, PA, Darlington Arts Center in Garnet Valley, PA and privately at my studio in Garnet Valley, PA. Being an artist is truly a gift from God. I took that gift, nurtured it and made it a passion. I hope to share this nurturing and passion with others.