Finding Inspiration in Nature, History, and the Unexpected

I started drawing when I was about eight years old, mostly horses, which were my passion. As I got into my teens, I began experimenting with other subjects and mediums, but wildlife and nature were always my favorites. I spent a lot of time exploring outdoors and photographing things that might someday become paintings.

Later, when I had a houseful of kids and animals, I taught myself to work in pastels. It was mostly a practical decision because I could spread everything out on the kitchen table! That's how my pastel animal portraits began.

Over the years, I've had opportunities to take on some pretty ambitious projects.

In 1990, I was commissioned to paint a 5-by-8-foot oil painting celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. That project began my love of trains, and I'm still painting them today.

Another commission was a 4-by-9-foot painting depicting wars from the Civil War through the Gulf War. It hangs at the American Legion in Orono, Maine, and remains my favorite piece because of the emotions I experienced while researching and painting it. The response from the veterans at its unveiling, and their heartfelt thanks, meant more to me than I can describe.

When my children were older, I decided to tackle my first large outdoor mural. I painted a 13-by-40-foot scene on Burr's General Store in Costigan, Maine, showing the owner fishing along the Penobscot River behind the building.

I've always enjoyed trying something different. These days, I'm working on another train painting, though it's considerably smaller than that first commission, along with several driftwood creations.

I was born and raised in Downeast Maine, spent 30 years in the Orono area, and returned to Machias in 1996. What I love about living here is that I can enjoy lakes, rivers, streams, and the ocean all in the same day. Nature has always been my greatest source of inspiration.

When I'm not creating art, you'll probably find me fishing, hunting, hiking, cooking for a crowd, or riding. I love motorcycles and horses equally!

I'm also involved with the American Legion in Machias, serving as Historian of the Post 9 Auxiliary and Treasurer of American Legion Riders Chapter 9. I often donate paintings to help with fundraising.

I'm relatively new to the Machias Arts Council, but I already love the atmosphere at the Arts Center. I'm looking forward to making friends, getting to know other artists, and continuing to create for the community.

I believe it's important to keep the Arts Council here, which is why I'm encouraging other artists to join. There's so much talent in our area, and having a place where we can share it matters to me.

An Interesting Fact About Me

Something people might not expect about me is that I worked as a technician for the Maine Department of Transportation's Bridge Construction Program. My responsibilities included inspecting construction projects, testing materials, and making sure the work met specifications. It was quite a different kind of creative challenge!