I was twelve years old when I began training under professional
artist and illustrator Marit Guild, learning the foundations of
representational art. After high school, Marit recommended that I
continue my education at her Alma Mater; which is exactly what I did.
Four years later, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in
visual arts with a concentration in commercial art.
I passionately love Art; however, first and foremost, I
passionately love Jesus Christ. I paint only by his grace and for his
glory. As an artist, I want my art not only to be technically masterful
but also to engage the viewer’s mind. My artistic influences include
great past American, Russian, and European masters including John Singer
Sargent, Anders Zorn, William Bouguereau, and Ilya Repin, as well as
contemporary masters such as Richard Schmid, Mian Situ, Morgan
Weistling, and Daniel Gerhartz. The most compelling subject matter for
me is figurative work. People have a "soulishness" about them; I believe
the most poignant and touching works of art come from portraying the
masterpiece of God's creation: humankind.