Artist Statement

After retiring from teaching art for 26 years in the public school system, I now have the opportunity to spend my remaining years pursuing a passion for painting. Growing up in the panhandle and Southern plains of Texas I have a great admiration for the beauty of its history, culture, landscape and people of this area. My work can be divided up into three categories; the Western Experience, its history, and the people who make it their home.

This area of Texas is rich in culture and history. My work consists of documenting the traditional and modern cowboy experience. This imagery depicts the work and life expenses on the modern ranch, from round up, doctoring and branding to everyday life of home life of the ranch hand. I put an effort to tell the drama beyond the image of both the cowboys, their families and the livestock that are a part of this story.

A large part of the western expense today has its roots in the events of years gone by. A lot of my work will center around the history of the great plains. This area was the center of the area referred to as the Red River Wars. It was a struggle that involved the Comanche, Kiowa, Southern Chyenne, Mexican and Anglos.

Another aspect of my work is centered around the portrait as a biography. I put a great amount of time into trying to tell an individual's story beyond the image. I try to communicate to the viewer much more than the image, their personality, or their history.

Biography

For the most part, I like to produce work from my own surroundings. Growing up in the panhandle and southern plains of West Texas my work has centered around this area. I also do historical paintings depicting the plains indians, ranching, farming, and rural life.

I will also produce work based upon my travels throughout our country.

During my college years at Texas Tech, I created some work more from my imagination. Some of that work can be seen here.

Master of Art Education, Texas Tech University

Educator. 1999-2025 retired

Instructor in art, theatre and history

Plainview ISD 1999

Lubbock Christian HS 2000-2004

Crosbyton ISD 2005-2019

Lamesa ISD 2020-2025