I am inspired by the natural beauty of the world as we all are. The first time I recognized the urge to become a painter was when I was a child watching my grandfather paint canvases after he had retired. As an art director in Chicago it came naturally. It seemed to come naturally for me also. I am self-taught. Influences are the great artists that came before the o Keeffes and Hoppers and Van Goghs who reveled in color and design and helped us see the world in a new fashion.