The greatest influence on my work was my college art professor
in New Concord, Ohio
where I studied from 1968 - 1972.
I was his teaching assistant and worked in his gallery
on Martha's Vineyard for three summers.
I have many fond memories of us
sketching and exploring the Vineyard together.
Some of his sketches:
He taught me the joy of "capturing a moment in time."
A talented and generous artist,
he was first and foremost;
a true gentle man.
His Artist’s Statement:
(from a show he had in the late 90's)
“The doing of these paintings represent many pleasurable hours. If my work has a purpose, it is the eternal one of trying to maintain a positive attitude in a seemingly indifferent world. The excitement is in the trying to get ever closer; to capture the magic of that moment in time. The incentive comes from the illusion of improvement; that the next experience will meet the goal. The rewards are too numerous to mention, but financial and honorary and not on the list.”
(from a show he had in the late 90's)
“The doing of these paintings represent many pleasurable hours. If my work has a purpose, it is the eternal one of trying to maintain a positive attitude in a seemingly indifferent world. The excitement is in the trying to get ever closer; to capture the magic of that moment in time. The incentive comes from the illusion of improvement; that the next experience will meet the goal. The rewards are too numerous to mention, but financial and honorary and not on the list.”
I feel so fortunate to have spent so much time with him
at such an influential time my artist journey.
What a wonderful, heartfelt tribute to your mentor. We should all be so lucky to connect with a kindred soul along our painting journey.
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