I was born to be an artist and live to create. I became a graphic designer in the early 80's so I could create for a living. As a designer I was given freedom to add visual texture to clients' printed materials - illustrations that were successful for them and sometimes won awards for me - this process comes out in my paintings, although not through digital means. I usually paint a background and then add natural and man-made elements to give the art life and texture, as well as a 3D effect. Even flat pieces have some type of texture. I love the outdoors and nature is usually the subject of my work. I am fortunate to live an hour away from the mountains and head there whenever I can. When I hike I look down on the ground, I look up at the trees. I imagine the world from how an ant may see it. I have a love of rocks and sand and like to put these elements into the pictures whenever I can.