Born and raised in Montana, I started drawing before age two, and thankfully didn’t poke my own eyes out before I realized which end of the pencil to draw with.

I have always loved drawing. To capture the subject, run it through the mind’s eye, through the pencil and on to paper brings such a joy. Any subject works, but my preference, like my background, is western. Capturing the imagery of events from the American west both today and yesterday is the goal of my artwork.

Pencil is my favorite medium, but I am quickly learning to really enjoy oils, although after each painting session I seem to have more paint on me, in my hair and on my clothes, than on my canvas.

In pencil I don’t want to blend each stroke together, rather by using crosshatching I try to create “brushstrokes” in the hatches of pencil. This translates well to oil, as each brushstroke is combined to form the entire piece.

The art I love best, both of my own and other artists is artwork that both is technically well done and tells a story. Perspective must be correct, no distortion, colors must harmonize, and focal path must move the viewers eye through the piece. When eye path is well though out even a simple portrait will tell a story. I strive for my pieces to tell a story. From a missed rope throw at an obstinate calf, trains late because of a herd of buffalo, or just the warm feel of a bright summer day the art needs to have a story to tell, not just a subject to capture.