Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 0 42 Next, I sketch in details, keeping loose, knowing that I will finalize these later. At this point, I can always stop for the session if needed. Hopefully, I have enough information to complete in the studio if necessary. Ideally, I will return again and again en locale to add layers as I develop each separate mass. Working all over the canvas, I refine big shapes into smaller shapes. Finally, the fun starts when I can add detail, either in the studio, but preferably, on location. Using this process may involve many different layers plus glazing at the end where needed, but such great fun! Consequently, I usually have 30-40 paintings in process at any point in time! Some roll over from one year to the next as I chase the seasons. WHICH ARTISTS HAVE INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST? I have always been attracted to the Hudson River School of artists along with the Dutch classical painters. I enjoy occasionally start- ing a painting with chiaroscuro, especially if painting a detailed closeup. Contemporary artists who have influenced me most are Dan Young, Jay Moore and Matt Smith. I most admire Brett James Smith, not only his technical skill, but for his composition. Skip Whitcomb and John Potoschinck have given me color harmony and have challenged me with different palette combinations. Scott Christensen taught me the power of value key. I love the work of Mark Boedges with his loose and expressive style. I shall always be grateful to Peter Fiore who is the master at interpreting photos. With her keen eye as a portrait painter, Laura Era taught me to see relationships in size, color and value. Finally, I took to heart the advice of Michael Rosato who encouraged me to continue to paint realism, but to strive to be the best that I can be, which equates to never ending pursuit of excellence! YOU ENJOYED A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN VETERINARY MEDICINE. HOW DID YOUR PASSION FOR HELPING OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS INFORM YOUR SENSES AS AN ARTIST? I declared at age seven that I wanted to be either a veterinarian or an artist! Besides the handy knowledge of animal anatomy, I feel blessed, as do many veterinarians, for having been given the "gift" PATIENCE

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