Born in Gresham, Oregon, I grew up in and around the metropolitan area of Portland, Oregon. My formal education began as a music major (classical piano)--first at Mt. Hood Community College and then "upgrading" to Portland State University. That, however, required too much practicing for my taste. So, long story short(er), I zigzagged my studies through college, finishing, oddly enough, with a chemistry degree. I cite the usual college pathway if only because a curious phenomenon happened along the way. While in school, ideas for pictures kept popping into my head. I really liked what I saw in my mind's eye. Initially I dismissed them, thinking, "Somebody ought to paint that." Eventually, I decided that that "somebody" should be me. 

My art training is largely self-taught, and, while I'd be happy to return to more formal instruction, right now, I feel I barely have the time to get my ideas rendered.

I like imagery that has some kind of twist or irony, particularly the merging of two ideas in an unusual and yet somehow logical way. One might say I'm generally trying to render something that pushes the envelope of reality without quite crossing over into fantasy.

I admire a so-called classical approach to painting, but, as I'm mainly just trying to get the idea from my head to the canvas as quickly as possible, really it's a quasi-alla prima (intention anyway) execution with a smattering of impressionism.

I live in Anaheim, California. For my "day job," I still work at a casino as a poker dealer.