Artist Statement:

Figures are the Vessel in which we express all of our emotions. We are figures ourselves and the language we speak is figural. Characters convey so much meaning even without color; one need only be drawn to the expression. Realism is also a vessel with which one is able to easily grasp the concept of a painting, as we find ourselves within a real world with real objects, and much of our language focuses on what is real and tangible, even if we make up what we think is real or tangible.

It is the concept of the character that is thus most important, which can be comprised of his or her surroundings, the expression on their faces, and the things they are wearing. After these things are called on, then one can produce a mood with color, or abstract things like symbols. All these are equally important in portraying their personality; which can be extruded both through accurate representation of anatomy and mood through color and symbolism, whether it be abstract or simply fantastic.

Using photographic references, digital manipulation, and knowledge about form and color, my oil paintings adhere to classical models of figure and oil painting while maintaining a contemporary approach to content and content creation. This contemporary approach is drawn upon with Veristic Surrealism, Old masters and stories within modern science fiction and fantasy; which create works that feature fantastic worlds in which characters are portrayed doing fantastic things. 

Bio:

I started at Westmoreland County Community College 2008-2010 for Fine Art and Graphic Design
Transferred to Seton Hill University for Studio art from 2010 till the present and have since then exhibited my artwork at the Harlan gallery at SHU and Dv8 Coffee shop in Greensburg 
I've done CD cover art for a Crohns and Colitis benefit CD