For over 60 years, working with wildlife, boats, art and photography were intertwined. As a kid in upstate New York, there were cameras for toys, free film and daily care of wild animals. Long cold winters were spent drawing, painting and using dad’s art correspondence course books. Teen years in Florida included caring for wildlife, boating and frequent painting. Adult life revolved around working with wildlife, sporadic painting and photography.
While working in Yosemite on three occasions, much was learned from Ansel Adams about composition and light values. Other major influences are Van Gogh, Vermeer, Cassatt and Homer. Old photos were resurrected and new paintings begun after retirement. Woodworking came due to needing affordable frames for paintings and photos. Today wild critters are still close at hand while woodworking, in spite of the noise of sanders and saws. Trips to the coast for sailing, lighthouses, beach walks at sunrise and sunset are done when budgets and family stuff allow.
