American, b. 1948

What is “sharp focus” drawing? Put very simply, it is a rendering with refined, precise line and tone to create a lifelike representation of the subject matter. It differs from other methods of drawing realistically, however, in that it creates an extremely clear, sharp almost photographically accurate image – hence the term “sharp focus.” So, I start all of my paintings with a “sharp focus” drawing and my still life reference is an actual set up in my studio. I take as much pride in the drawing as I do in the actual painting.

My choices for the set ups are simple yet engaging and I look to less traditional objects to realistically portray a specific theme. I have tried to develop a theme of color, abstract shapes, and a clean crisp feeling in all my painting. The negative space pronounces the objects and it helps to achieve my desired results. I tend to work slowly, painstakingly observing the subject and trying to communicate the detail in a simple yet effective way. The joy in my work starts with my set up choice, the drawing, and the final color applications when it all comes to life. With each painting, I try to communicate a particular skill, from drawing/painting of ellipses, to space proportion, negative space, complexity, texture, reflection, and color.”

EDUCATION:
Albertus Magnus College, BFA New Haven, CT
Paier School of Art Illustration
Scholarship Student/Teacher, 5th Year Hamden, CT

EXHIBITIONS:
2015 American Realism: Past and Present, Cavalier Galleries New York, NY
2015 Naples International Arts & Antiques Fair Naples, FL
2015 Palm Beach Arts & Antiques Fair Palm Beach, FL
2014 Contemporary Realism, Cavalier Galleries New York, NY
2014 Naples International Arts & Antiques Fair Naples, FL
2014 Palm Beach Arts & Antiques Fair Palm Beach, FL
2014 LA Art Fair Los Angeles, CA
2013 Aspen Art and Antiques Fair Aspen, CO
2013 Greenwich Arts Council Exhibition Greenwich, CT
2013 February Group Show, Cavalier Galleries Greenwich, CT
2013 January Group Show, Cavalier Galleries Greenwich, CT
2012 November Group Show, Cavalier Galleries Greenwich, CT
2010 Reviewing Realism, Cavalier Galleries Greenwich, CT
2007 Small Works Exhibition, Cavalier Galleries Greenwich, CT

PUBLICATIONS:
Author of “Drawing Sharp Focus Still Lifes” Watson Guptill, Publisher

TEACHING:
Professor of Fine Arts, Paier College of Art, Hamden, CT –
Director of the Division of Fine Arts / Illustration / Foundation Arts
Educator and Representational still/life/trompe painter