About the Artist

I was born in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen. My artwork began at an early age of 5 to which I would draw all over the walls of my parents’ apartment. “He’s simply expressing himself, ” my mother would often respond to a not so happy father. My studies began at the age of 14 during my freshman year in Xavier High School under the guidance of Mr. Robert Coane. Mr. Coane taught me the fundamentals in Fine Arts. I would also study with Mr. Coane in his studio outside of Xavier. We spent countless hours studying and working on classical drawing with charcoal including still life, anatomy and working with live models. My passion for artistic endeavors was further expanded when I enrolled in the Art Students League of New York. It was at the League I learned basic concepts in oil painting. Aside from Mr. Coane and the League, my technique with various mediums in addition to chalk pastel pencils, were self taught over the years.

My influences, interests and muses for my artwork over the past 4 decades are pretty vast. New York, particularly in the late 80’s and 90’s was an exuberant, over the top, opulent time to be part of the nightlife. Nightclubs such as RedZone, Sound Factory, and the Tunnel were places where one could escape reality and explore places of creativity, amazing music and be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From fashion models, designers, to celebrities and  every day people, it was a time where people danced, felt a part of and like myself, experienced joy. I was also part of the underground House scene for gay, lesbian and transgender people. I would attend Balls where Houses competed in dance, fashion and their own interpretations of what they saw as creative, fashionable and beautiful. At this time, particularly the early 90’s, Supermodels were the rage and I was, of course in love with their beauty and exotic looks. In addition, old Hollywood glamour, comic book heroines and cinematic movies such as, “Dracula” and Elizabeth all were and still remain influences and interests in my art. Later in my art career, I became fascinated with the artist Georgia O Keefe. My first viewing of O Keefe’s, “Black Iris” was the introduction to my love for creating floral works.

My floral creations range from oils to chalk pastel pencils. My goal is to create original, detailed, vibrant colored pieces that catch the attention of the viewer. For the past 20 years I have been working on various species of flowers from roses, tulips to dahlias. My site now is to illustrate my love of flowers. In the future, I look forward to showcasing my other pieces covering many other aspects of what I love.