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This is the most asked question I get. What most people want to know is, “As an artist do you paint from memory?”  While some artists do paint from memory, my answer is never. Whether it is a lighthouse or a portrait of my Lab, Dolly, as a realist artist, reference materials like photos are a must for me to capture the proper proportions, lighting, and color.  

However, while reference materials are important to help bring the inspiration to life on my canvas, life experiences bring an equally important component to the success of my paintings.  This is why I also have a strong desire to experience the natural environments where my subjects live. 

Early in my art journey, I was told by my first mentor, Duane Raver, “Now that you are an artist, you will never see the details of God’s Glory the same.” And he was right.  Many times, I find myself evaluating an edge, or a light bounce, or the distant perspective of atmosphere, trying to understand how it will find it’s way into my capturing of how I see the “details of God’s Glory”.