Creativity has played an important role in my life for as long as I can remember. For over 50 years it has taken me on a wonderful and fulfilling journey with experience in graphic design, advertising, printing and photography.
I retired to Florida in 2010 and in 2016 I discovered pastels and oils. I knew I could draw, but Ihad no experience in fine art. My careers in design and photography had taught me composition, design and color values, so I had a decent foundation in place to learn the intricacies of fine art. Classes with the late Sandy Johnson were instrumental in learning basic oil and pastel techniques.
Creating a painting is much like watching a photo appear in a darkroom. It is magical to see and feel paint bring an image or an idea to life. I am convinced that fine art comes from your heart and soul and is a true expression of who you are. Making a work of art creates a peaceful haven from the chaos of media bombardment we experience in our daily lives.
The Photographs
World travel as a Kodak photographer provided me with thousands of images that form the basis of my contemporary expressions, reimagined as digitally painted compositions. My original photographs form just the first layer of the finished product. I alter the composition, if needed, break down the color palette and recreate the photo into a graphic design. These images, often printed on metal, tend to be bold and powerful with brilliant color motifs.
Oil paintings
I don’t believe I have ever mixed the same color twice in oil. I love the earthiness and richness of oil paints and the ability to rework the medium as the painting progresses. It is a challenge I embrace as I continue to learn the processes.
Pastels
Fast. Brilliant. Fun. Pastels are finicky and force the artist to make instant decisions because reworking is nearly impossible. I love the wide variety of color substrates available and pastels dare the artist to be brave and spontaneous; quite the opposite from oils.
EDUCATION
BS in Advertising Design: College of Design, Art & Architecture, University of Cincinnati
MA in Visual Communication: The Ohio State University
EXPERIENCE
Creative Supervisor, Great Lakes Press 1976-1982
President, Creative Director, Buck & Pulleyn, Inc advertising agency 1982-1995
Adult Education teacher, Rochester Institute of Technology 1991
Contract photographer, Eastman Kodak Company 1995-2009
Graduate Assistant professor, The Ohio State University 1999
Adult Education teacher, Rochester Institute of Technology 1991
Contract photographer, Eastman Kodak Company 1995-2009
Managing Partner, H2Ology, LLC, environmental game developer 2015-2020
Director, FOTO.101, online and live digital photography workshops 2015-present
President, Camera Club of Brevard 2015-18, 2023-present
PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITIONS
2005- “Caras del Mundo”, Neuquen, Argentina
2005- “Mapuche Indian Culture”, San Martin De Las Andes, Argentina
2006- “ Neuquen”, traveling exhibit, Neuquen Province, Argentina
2006- “Argentina Landscapes”, Executive Boardroom, Eastman Kodak Company
2008 – “Spain”, Eastman Kodak Company
2009 – “Mexico”, Eastman Kodak Company
2009 – “Argentina”, Eastman Kodak Company Board Room
2010 – “ Caras del Mundo”, Eastman Kodak Company
ART EXHIBITIONS
2016- “Around the World”, Art Gallery of Viera
2016- “100% Pure Florida”, Fifth Avenue Art Gallery
2016 -2017 : “Brush with Success”, Art Gallery of Viera
2017- “100% Pure Florida”, Fifth Avenue Art Gallery
2017 – “Kaleidoscope”, Art & Antiques Gallery 2018 – “Kaleidoscope”, Art & Antiques Galery
2018- Featured Artist , Art Gallery of Viera
2018- Award, “Brush withe Success” Art Gallery of Viera
2021- Pop-up artist, Fifth Avenue Art Gallery
2021-Award, “Kaleidoscope”, Eau Gallery
2021- Osceola Arts, St Cloud, Latin American exhibit
2022- Solo Exhibition “Re-imagine”, Fifth Avenue Art Gallery
2022- Award, “Kaleidoscope”, Eau Gallery
2023- Merit Award, “100% Pure Florida”, Fifth Avenue Art Gallery
2024- Best of the Best 2024, A.E. Backus Museum