Plein Air Painting (painting from life outdoors) is my major art focus. Much of my current work is representative of this discipline. I try to capture the light and atmosphere of a scene within a few hours. I believe that a painting is not just a two dimensional illusion, but also is a moment in life, captured by an artist on canvas.

I have found that while doing a painting outdoors I am immersed in the moment. What I mean is that later when I look at the painting I can remember all the things that went on as I painted, the weather, the birds singing, a small animal moving through the scene, people who have stopped to talk to me. The memories are all part of the painting.

I am a founding member of Wisconsin Plein Air Painters Association. The WIPAPA was established as a statewide fellowship of artists dedicated to promoting and practicing the traditional discipline of Plein Air painting.

Recent Accomplishments in Plein Air Painting:

Best of Show and People’s Choice at Paint the Point Plein Air Event – Mineral Point

2nd place-2014-Theodore Robinson Plain Air Event

3rd Place 2015 Paint the Point Winter Edition-Mineral Point

Beloit College Patron of the Arts Award-2015 Beloit Friends of the Riverfront Plein Air Event

Honorable Mention-2015 and 2016 Historic 3rd Ward Plein Air Event

2nd Place Nocturne 2015 and 2016 Paint the Point Summer Plein Air Event-Mineral Point

1st Place Quick Paint 2015 Catiris Plein Air Event

Merit Award 2015 Between the Bluffs Plein Air Event -LaCrosse

1st place 2016 Pewaukee Waterfront Art Fair Plein Air Event

1st place-2016 Historical Evansville Category -Theodore Robinson Plain Air Event

Juried Art Exhibitions:

2014 National Oil and Acrylic Painters “Best of America” Show

One Man Show-October 2015 month long at the Beloit Fine Arts Incubator

Richeson 75 2013 Still Life and Floral Show -2 Finalist and 4 Meritorious , 2015 Small Works Show –Finalist

Art Exhibition Awards:

Best of Show – 2010 Plymouth Art Fair, First Place – 2011 Plymouth Art Fair

First Place – WIPAPA Annual Show 2010, Third Place – WIPAPA Annual Show 2012

Certificate of Excellence – 2013 Stevens Point Art Festival

Best of Show – 2013 Kenosha Art Fair

5 Time – Favorite 15% BoldBrush online Competition

First Place -“Point of Color: The Wisconsin Plein Air Painters Association Juried Show,” at the Monroe Arts Center

2nd Place- 2015 “En Plein Air” Exhibit, The Lighthouse Art Center, Tequesta, FL

1st Place League of Milwaukee Artists POE-etry Show