My work is less about literal subject matter and more about capturing emotion and transition. By drawing on the epic visual language of the Renaissance and employing classical techniques, I strive to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary —infusing each piece with depth, history, and meaning.

People are often surprised to learn that before becoming a full-time artist, I ran a land surveying business, founded a software company, and even biked solo from Yellowstone to Oregon with no cell phone—just me, the wind, and the open road.

For me, the greatest achievement is when someone resonates with my work on an emotional level. When a painting reaches beyond its surface and deeply connects with a viewer’s own journey, that connection feels more meaningful than any award or recognition.

My practice is in constant evolution. I am always experimenting—testing materials, layering textures, and embracing “happy accidents” that lead to discovery. Curiosity keeps the work alive, while my daily commitment to the studio continues to hone both skill and vision.

I am deeply inspired by the aged beauty of old frescoes, rust, and decay. Cracks, erosion, and layered surfaces feel like visual metaphors for the human condition. Much of my work plays with these themes of impermanence and resilience, weaving them into contemporary imagery.

Focus is both my greatest challenge and my greatest gift. I can be easily distracted, but once I am immersed in painting, I lose myself completely. That state of flow where time disappears and the work becomes a meditation—is part of why I love being an artist.

Often my favorite piece is the one I’m currently working on, because the process is so consuming. Still, certain works stand out—Groundhog with Candy Corn, Fallen Angel, and especially L’Appel de la Mer (Call of the Sea), which debuts at Kickernick Gallery. That painting is about silencing the noise of technology, setting down the phone, and reconnecting with the natural and subconscious worlds represented by the ocean.

I was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in the Driftless Area—a region untouched by glaciers, with dramatic bluffs and valleys. That unique landscape and its enduring geology deeply shaped my sense of place, resilience, and beauty.

I have long admired Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio for their mastery of form and light, and Odd Nerdrum for his fearless exploration of the human condition. I’m also inspired by today’s New Contemporary artists who merge classical figurative painting with experimental mixed media.

Follow your instincts. Learn techniques, take workshops, and experiment boldly but
don’t be afraid to break rules. The most powerful art comes from authenticity, persistence, and the willingness to keep exploring.