Always questioning, I re-search universal archetypes. I observe nature, study diverse philosophies and meditate. Then I let go of it all and play with color and form to reveal my inner visions.
Rarely do I start with preconcieved ideas. Often I allow form to evolve out of color. At times I paint in an abstract way, other times my images are more realistic. It all depends upon the moment of inspiration.
For more than 40 years I have been committed to helping others find their own creativity, whether it be my sons, my grandchildren or my students, big and small in school settings or during workshops.
I hope that my paintings inspire others to create for themselves. I mean creating in a broad sense. Because the human being truly grows when he is an autonomous and free creator.
My commitment to the environment beyond my ecological activism has been reflected in many group exhibitions that I have been able to organize in the USA and in France for the benefit of humanitarian and ecological associations, such as Kokopelli for freeing Seeds, SOS Forests,The Hefer Project, Save the Bees Campaign, a local Community Kitchen...
Since my childhood, nature has made me happy, serene and creative. The kingdoms that are on this wonderful land inspire me: mineral, plant, animal and human ...
I find inspiration during gardening, in botanical walks, in searching for stones and shells, observing insects, birds and mammals, and especially when I have the chance to have real heart-to-heart conversations with people of all kinds.
I contemplate the world around me, I let it resonate in me. I find this transformed world within my soul and I bring it back to life in my paintings.
Born in Washington D.C. on October 3, 1956 to an American father and an Austrian mother, I was accompanied in the discovery of painting by a cosmopolitan family.
My father, an amateur painter, introduced me to drawing and oil painting. Very quickly I practiced copying some works of great masters that I saw in the many art galleries of my home town.
From the age of 13, artists in Washington, like Miriam Hapgood DeWitt occasionally guided my personal research in their studios.
I then followed a few art classes in an alternative German high school from 1972-1976. Arriving in France as a young adult in 1976, I was mainly guided by the architect / painter Jean Bouchet
Apart from these influences and inspirations, I am largely self-taught.
I taught the Arts in alternative schools in France and the USA for twenty years before devoting myself to painting since 2002.
I do not know when the passion for drawing and painting manifested in me. However, what I remember is that my father told me that I was already holding a pencil before I could even walk. I drew like any child who loves colors and scribbles, carefree.
My first style exercise was in elementary school. I chose to draw a Virgin Mary which won me the second prize. The first was awarded to a boy who had drawn a battle-ready warship.
My love of the arts continued to grow thanks to my father's attention to me in this area. I had become an autodidact and a true fan of painting.
Growing up in Washington DC was certainly a godsend. Almost every weekend my dad would take us, my sister and I to the National Art Gallery or the Smithonian Institute, to name a few. In Washington DC access to museums is completely free.
When I was twelve my father declared that I was ripe to learn oil painting! So after each gallery visit I would rush home and spend endless hours copying the great masters. My shyness prevented me from working in the gallery itself as many students did. I also tried my hand at charcoal and pastel.
I wish for this website, produced by my companion, to present and distribute my art more widely.
You can freely enjoy the medium-resolution images of the site under the CC 3.0 license or simply browse my world of 20 series including more than 600 creations including paintings, sculptures, masks, ...
You can buy an original work among those available. I will ship it to you as soon as possible.
You can also order other articles by clicking on the shop tab of each work : reproductions of different sizes and qualities, postcards, card game, commercial image rights ... and leave me a message or a comment.
Happy visit