I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. The first serious formal art education began at Kansas City Art Institute and there received a B.F.A. in painting. While attending KCAI, another educational opportunity was offered when I was selected to apply for an exchange program in England. In England I attended the Brighton Polytechnic for a semester. The end of my formal education took me to Parsons School of Design in New York City in the early 1990's where I received an M.F.A. in painting. There, I had the opportunity to study with the great painters Leland Bell and Paul Resika.
Living in different cultures is just as important to my work as my educational experience. Being exposed to great works of art that I had only glimpsed in books and slides before, is inspirational. Artists such as Corot, Constable and Delacroix have had an impact on my art. Traveling, living, working and surviving in various environments helped guide my direction along the path I am presently taking.
I am a retired Professor of Fine Art at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. The teaching philosophy I have developed is derived from my education and giving the students a sound education in the basic elements of drawing, painting, color theory and three dimensional design. I enjoy interaction with students from all skill levels and work to enhance their understanding and application in fine arts. The courses taught deal with new ways of seeing, techniques and looking back to the great masters as well as present contemporary work done today.
Along with teaching, i was also the Director of the Thornhill gallery at Avila University. The Thornhill gallery had 10 exhibits a year and exhibited work that reflected the diversity of art taking place in the world today. The artists who are selected to show were local, national and international.
Living in different cultures is just as important to my work as my educational experience. Being exposed to great works of art that I had only glimpsed in books and slides before, is inspirational. Artists such as Corot, Constable and Delacroix have had an impact on my art. Traveling, living, working and surviving in various environments helped guide my direction along the path I am presently taking.
I am a retired Professor of Fine Art at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. The teaching philosophy I have developed is derived from my education and giving the students a sound education in the basic elements of drawing, painting, color theory and three dimensional design. I enjoy interaction with students from all skill levels and work to enhance their understanding and application in fine arts. The courses taught deal with new ways of seeing, techniques and looking back to the great masters as well as present contemporary work done today.
Along with teaching, i was also the Director of the Thornhill gallery at Avila University. The Thornhill gallery had 10 exhibits a year and exhibited work that reflected the diversity of art taking place in the world today. The artists who are selected to show were local, national and international.
