I began studying painting and drawing after an epiphany I had in the very halls of Northern Illinois University back in 2013. I realized that my current path was not what I wanted, and was inspired by the artwork hanging in the art building. I then began my journey of learning how to draw, and paint by vigorously Plein air (the act of painting outdoors) painting, attending life drawing workshops and doing master copies of my favorite works from Sabin Howard, Rembrandt, Sargent, and more. What's more, I would study my favorite artist's paintings in black and white thumbnail form. This helped me learn more about composition and gave me more confidence in planning out my own paintings.

I learned everything I have ever known from nature and those who came before me. I love illustrators from the golden age of illustration. Some of my favorites are Leyendecker, Loomis, Pyle, Wyeth, Dean Cornwell, and more.

I strive in my work to uphold the same principles found in great illustrations from that time and before. Such as strong composition, a full value range, and great color, and edge quality. My connection with art is a very visceral one; as I feel that my purpose in life is to create art, music, and writings. There is nothing else I'd rather do but revel in traditions of creation that are thousands of years old.

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