Distinctly Montana Magazine

journals that I did when I was guiding, and my love of wild unspoiled places has remained strong and serves as constant inspiration for my art. What is the creative process like for you? It usually starts with a spark of an idea, whether I'm witnessing a beautiful moody scene in front of me or gaz- ing at a photograph. I analyze the subject and decide what it is that captures my interest, what moves me and why. Then it is a matter of how to convey that to the viewer. I try to narrow the scene or subject down to its essence, focusing on the important elements such as light, mood, composition, etc. and leaving out the extraneous detail. I will quite often invent the mood and light if I feel I can do it convincingly. Some of my works are created completely out of my head but usually I have some sort of photo refer- ence that I'll use as a starting point. I work in oils almost exclusively and with a variety of techniques. Your art has a certain nostalgic, almost "dreamy" feel to it. There is also a sense of solitude, of a certain peacefulness. Do you consciously strive for those elements in your work? A Quiet Winter Sundown Those elements certainly are important to me and I do work with those in mind. I want to create works that peo- ple can escape into, can grow with, and that touches them not only visually but emotionally and spiritually as well. I paint what moves me and hopefully will move the viewer too. Some of my best pieces have evolved quite differently from what I had envisioned initially, so I like to let the piece do the directing sometimes. This can also fail spectacularly. When you find a difficult moment while painting, how do you work to get past it? I have learned to view the paintings I'm struggling with as a growing experience and realize those difficult pieces some- times are necessary to push me to another level. In the past when I was frustrated with a piece I'd scrape it down and start over. Now I'm better about setting it aside and coming back to it later with a fresh eye and new perspective. At Peace Which of your works has meant the most to you? The paintings of my wife and kids are very special to me and hard to part with. Most of those stay in my personal collection. A painting I did titled Evensong was a pivotal piece in my career. It pushed me in a new direction, was a multiple award winner in a national show, and opened many doors for me with various prestigious galleries. It was also inspired by a time and place where I'd proposed to my wife and I wish I'd hung onto it! What single person has inspired you most in your painting career? I'm afraid I can't answer that question with just one single individual, as I've had many influential people in my life. Starting with my parents who were extremely supportive and were patient with me while I got my career going and never told me I was chasing a pipe-dream. My grand- mother, who was a talented watercolorist, was my first art instructor. In high school I had a wonderful art teacher who also encouraged me to develop my skills and pursue a career in fine art. Another very inspirational person has been my friend and mentor Christine Verner from Oklahoma. I can't forget my wife, Jennifer, who is my biggest fan and critic; I wouldn't be where I am without her. 36 DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2011

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