In 1971 I was born in Indiana, just outside of Chicago. My family settled down later in Reno, Nevada where I spent my formative years. Early in my youth I made the conscious decision between becoming a musician or an artist. Years later I would move yet further west to study at the Art Institute of Seattle to cement my chosen path. It's not often that one finds a great teacher, or yet a good friend, but in Henry Stinson I found both. He was one of the rare few, who introduced and help build my foundation in anatomy drawing. Lightning struck twice however and he introduced me to his painting teacher Ron Lukas, whose easy brushstrokes and bold use of color were like nothing the Art Institute was offering.

For the next two years I followed in the footsteps of Russian Impressionism under his tutelage, and then continued on with Henry. It wasn't too long after that he inspired me to venture off on my own, to find my own voice.

Taking those first steps beyond the rapture of instruction had me diving into the works of Mucha, Sargent, Zorn, Fechin, Sorolla, Dewing and Thayor. They kept me in check and continued to guide me with their compositions and use of light. I found that Art Nouveau's organic quality as in nature fed my soul as much as the austere quality of minimalist architecture. Mostly my connection with family and friends is the inspiration that fuels my fire.

I don't subscribe to one belief system, but my work has a spiritual quality to it. I do believe that one needs to change and grow beyond the confines of culture and the validation of those around you. The balance of peace and tranquility in my life is the starting point for me when brush touches canvas. When I find my inner conscious teetering on the brink of full realization of the moment and losing grasp of it that is where I strive to create from.

Color harmony, composition and brushwork are the tools that for me work to create evocative and atmospheric paintings. Accurately loose brushwork is something I continuously push myself to master. In the end my hope is that people find the same balance of life and beauty in my work.

-Joe