ION
Art has always been an important part of my life. My parents often recalled their amazement when as a young toddler, I sat at my easel and very accurately copied images of the cartoon characters as I watched television. By junior high I was oil painting and designing my own characters. Later, after graduating from The Texas Academy of Art, I launched a graphic artist career and am still active with that, including several years as a professional illustrator. But my real love has always been fine art.
As an artist my work celebrates the intricate beauty of the world around me. I am captivated by the tactile quality of oil paint, choosing to highlight rather than conceal its application. This approach is evident across the diverse subjects I choose, whether it be landscapes, wildlife, portraits, or any scene that breathes life and illuminates light.
When selecting a subject matter, I am drawn by the light of creation that infuses joy into my work. The world is full of beauty, whether it lies in the simple, sincere curve of a smile, the inviting twists of a winding path, the sunlit silhouettes of grazing horses and cows, or the haunting allure of an old, abandoned home being retaken by nature. It is in these encounters with beauty that I find my greatest inspiration.
What compels me toward a particular scene is the desire to captivate viewers, leading their eyes through the painting and inviting them to linger, to return. Each painting aims to tell a story, to evoke wonder and ignite the imagination. When a viewer finds themselves pondering a scene, I know I have succeeded.
My work is deeply influenced by my Christian faith. I am inspired to create paintings that reflect the Creator and the magnificence of the world around us. In capturing the beauty of creation, I hope to reveal the gratuitous nature of God and help others feel a deeper connection to Him through my artwork.
Through my art, I aspire to create a visual narrative that not only reflects the world we inhabit but also connects the viewer to its Creator, leaving them inspired and uplifted.
