My time as a graphic designer and illustrator left me with a good sense of how to put a picture together. The years I spent as Wally Wood's assistant taught me how to work fast, and how to tighten up my drawing. Now, these abilities combined with what Impressionist painter Ty Hodanish, my teacher, has shown me about color and mood, have given me confidence to go exploring on my own. I'm nowhere near where I want be be as a painter, but I am getting closer. It thrills me, simply thrills me. When I am painting and all is going well, it's as exciting and exhilarating to me as when I am lost in music with my band. It's such a blessing to be able to paint.