Foothills Times January 2014 | Page 28

“My contribution to the world is my ability to draw. I will draw as much as I can for as many people as I can for as long as I can. Drawing is still basically the same as it has been since prehistoric times. It brings together man and the world. It lives through magic.” ~ Keith Haring “Painting is the grandchild of nature. It is related to God.” ~ Rembrandt What does it take to be an artist in the Foothills of NC? Drive? Passion? Dedication? What does it take for an artist to be personally satisfied not only with their art, but also with their career, success, opportunities and business? For me it takes an ultimate belief in myself, my talents, abilities and the sheer determination and willpower to continue to create my art against any odds. As an artist, I have had the good fortune, my entire life, to be able to express myself eloquently and effectively through my natural talents. The ability to draw well was well-earned with hard work, determination, and an unparalleled passion for the creation of quality art. After years of classical apprenticeship, and training with myriad master painters, I’ve gained the experience and skills needed to be able to accomplish my dreams and enhance my professional art career. At a very young age I began drawing, and when introduced to oil paint at age ten, I fell in love with painting and the very creation of art. I have continued painting as both a lifelong passion and a professional career. I earned art degrees from Guilford Technical Community College, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design, and the Fine Arts League of the Carolinas in Asheville, NC. I have completed private apprenticeships with master painters: Señor Javier Pamplona in Madrid, Spain, Master Fresco painters, Mr. Ben Long IV and Mr. Roger Nelson of the Fine Arts League of the Carolinas, and I have participated in workshops and private lessons from professional artists, Mr. John Cosby, Mr. Nick Bragg, and Mr. Tony Griffin. I've traveled to many parts of the world in pursuit of my art dreams, training and painting challenging subjects., from painting on the cliffs of Hawaii, facing the Pacific Ocean with winds so fierce they literally blew the paint off my palette, to a serene palace setting in the heart of Seoul, Korea. Our own United States has offered equally as many wonderful opportunities to create from California to North Carolina, from Connecticut to Florida, and everywhere in between. To be a traveling artist was always a dream of mine, to embrace not only the art world around me, but the amazing art worlds and adventures to be found [