Growing up in and around New York City, I was fortunate to spend many days with my grandmother exploring the city's incredible museums. The times we shared, especially at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, were unforgettable. I was particularly drawn to the Impressionist paintings and completely captivated by the works displayed in the American Wing, especially the landscapes by artists like George Inness, John Singer Sargent along with all the Hudson River School painters. The way they captured the beauty of nature and the interplay of light and shadow left a lasting impression on me.
My grandfather, a naturalist and businessman, introduced me to the wonders of the countryside, teaching me to appreciate and respect the land. His influence sparked a deep fascination with the world around me.
I later enrolled in the Fine Arts program at Colorado State University before continuing my studies at the renowned NY School of Visual Arts. But the art world I encountered was not what I had envisioned. Traditional painting had taken a backseat, and opportunities to explore the craft of light, form, and timeless technique were hard to find. Feeling disillusioned, I embarked on a year-long journey through Europe and North Africa, hoping to open my eyes to new experiences and perspectives.
Upon returning to the U.S., I dove into the fast-paced world of advertising and commercial film production, where I enjoyed a rewarding 25-year career. As a producer in New York, I worked with top agencies on Madison Avenue and later became an agent representing a diverse range of creative companies—everything from commercial film directors, digital special effects studios, music companies and motion graphic design firms.
But after decades of supporting and guiding the careers of other artists, I felt the pull back to the canvas. After all those years of helping others bring their visions to life, I realized I was still seeing the world through the eyes of a painter. I couldn't ignore that call anymore. Determined to return to my roots, I enrolled in classes at the Art Students League in New York and the Ridgewood Art Institute in New Jersey. There, a new generation of teachers reignited my passion for the craft.
Today, my paintings are part of many private collections, serving as a testament to the enduring power of my vision and commitment to the art of painting.
