Why I paint

I paint primarily to capture beauty and light based on my observations of people, places and things.  As I paint I often find myself re-living a moment in time or a feeling about the subject.

How I paint

I often paint from direct observation (“from life”): i.e., studio models, still life set-ups, and plein air excursions in the city or the countryside. More frequently, I develop my paintings by first photographing a scene, a person or a site for later use as a reference. The instant of taking a reference photo is the point at which I begin to exercise creative control over subject matter, point of view and composition. My photograph then serves as a guide to constructing a painting in the studio, where I have greater technical control over the physical painting process than I would outdoors.

 My paintings are representational and mostly realistic. My subjects reflect interests in specific people, places or things. In Philadelphia (where I have lived for many years), I am drawn especially to the Schuylkill River, with its many classical and graceful bridges, and to the city’s historic, quaint and authentic neighborhoods and structures. In Maine (where I have a home and studio overlooking one of the many bays in the “down east” coastline near Acadia National Park), I am constantly inspired by the ever-varying sunsets, by the rocky coastline and by the astounding views of ocean and bay.

 More about me

 I was born and raised in Schenectady, New York. I am a graduate of Harvard College and George Washington University Law School. I have practiced law in both Washington and Philadelphia. I discovered painting in 2012 and soon made it my full-time occupation.

 Although technically "self-taught" (I did not attend art school), I studied painting intensively at Fleisher Art Memorial and Woodmere Art Museum, in Philadelphia, primarily under artists trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. I also studied portraiture at Studio Incamminati, in Philadelphia, and plein air painting in many workshops led by accomplished artists.

 My paintings have been shown in numerous group shows (juried and open) at various venues, including the Philadelphia Sketch Club, The Plastic Club, The Wayne Art Center, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia, the 3rd Street Gallery, Twenty-Two Gallery, Schooner Gallery (Milbridge, ME) and others. I have held several solo shows at the Philadelphia Sketch Club and at the former Twenty-Two Gallery.