As an artist from Forest Lake, Minnesota, I have enjoyed creating my artwork in the style of pointillism since 1989 with the amazing support of my wife Kathy. During this time, I have created over 250 pieces that are part of my collection of art, commissioned projects and more. I often thought during my years of creating my artwork, why not make it into a full time business. I have learned through all of these years that holding on to the joy of drawing as a hobby had many more important values for me in life. I have had a successful career in the graphic arts and publications industry from 1977 to 2021. Creating artwork while I was working a full-time job brought to me a sense of balance. Now that I am retired, creating artwork is now a full-time passion.
I have created all of my works of art in the style of pointillism, which is also referred to as stippling and was introduced by French artist Georges Seurat in the late 1800s. I apply my dots of ink to a white piece of illustration board using a .000 point and a 0 point Rapidograph technical pen. The style of pointillism is a very delicate process. There is not much room for error. Once the ink is applied, you are committed to the results. Tones and shading are based on the position of the dots applied. Less dots the lighter the area. By adding more dots, I am creating a darker or shadowed area.
Over the years, I have come to understand the true meaning and value of passion, patience and persistence in life. These qualities when combined together bring any vision to life. Whether I am speaking to a group of art students or folks who stop by at my art shows, I like to share with them in keeping there dreams alive whatever it may be, always hold hope and never give up. From journeys in the pursuit of your dreams come the opportunities in your life.
The three seabirds that I draw on most of my art are symbolic to represent “Peace, Love and Harmony,” to bring a balance in life.