I have been making oil pastel paintings for about three years. I had solo exhibitions at the Howell Public Library in November 2004 and the Academy of Art and Gallery of Highland Park in December 2004.  I displayed his work the 2005 Highland Park Arts Festival.  In 3/06, I displayed and donated artwork to the Highland Park Centennial Art Auction.  I have sold numerous paintings to private collectors and other individuals.  I was born in 1972 in Philadelphia, PA and received art instruction at the Academy of Art of Highland Park since 2004.  


Artist Statement:
There are several key elements of my oil pastel paintings that make them compelling.   In order to capture the unique atmosphere of a landscape or cityscape, I begin with a photograph.  I often take my own pictures, simply because I tend to photograph scenes that translate well to oil pastel, and have done several commissions of pictures that have been submitted to me by customers to capture a scene that is special to them.  I depict the vitality and intensity of the subject through the use of vivid colors, striking contrasts of light and shadow, and sensual textures. My experience of emotion is crucial to creating a compelling painting.  They are usually connected to the subject itself, but I often heighten my emotions by playing evocative music while I am working.  The tactile, expressive nature of Sennelier oil pastels is perfectly suited to my style.