I was born in LaPorte, Ind. on August 31, 1945. We were only there for a few months before moving to northern Missouri. I lived there until graduating from high school in May 1963. I joined the Navy after graduating and toured the world with Uncle Sam for a little over three years. Married my wife Patty after being discharged in September 1966 and we spent the next 3 years living in San Francisco. By 1969 we felt that city life was not for us and moved to Hydesville, Ca. It was quite a change from living in San Francisco. I got a job working in a sawmill at Carlotta, Ca., just down over the hill from Hydesville. At that time it was a good living, so I stayed. Been there ever since. In the meantime, we were blessed with a little girl (Debbie) in 1973 and in 1974 moved to Fortuna, Ca., bought a small house and have lived there since then. All in all, it’s been a pretty good life so far. I have no complaints.
How did I get started painting? Well, I think I always have been drawing, painting or something to that effect. I can remember watching my mother draw pictures with crayons and thinking “that sure is neat”. She let me try and I have been doing that for a long time now...still trying. I used crayons, pencils and a few pastels to make a world to go to when times were not so good. When times got better I used them to entertain my brothers and I. I didn't start using watercolors or oils until after the urging of my high school art teacher. It took a little getting used to, but after a while of using oils to paint with, I never looked back. And I am still learning new things with every painting I do.
My favorite subjects to paint are landscapes (as you can tell). I also like modern military aviation, and I have painted other subjects upon request. But, landscapes are what I like to do the best. I guess I still like to create my own little worlds.
