Do you do preliminary sketches before painting your subject? In a sketchbook? Or directly on the canvas or paper? Why?

I now have some 40 sketchbooks developed since 1988. All sketchbooks are indexed by page detailing motif, proportion, location and recommended time of day and season to paint. Basically I believe in sketching prior to painting to work out all the problems of drawing, composition, major values, etc. before I start applying paint. Many times I wind up doing a painting based on sketches done weeks and sometimes years earlier.

What plein air supplies do you recommend having in your car for spontaneous painting?

I recommend water misible oil colors in a Guerilla Pouchade box.

How do you feel about critiques? Feedback? Or do you prefer to problem solve on your own? What are the three most important things you look for when critiquing a painting? Why?

Critiques are a necessary part of the creative process. All my paintings are critiqued by my wife in formal sessions where I take notes on her comments. Also I enjoy the critiques with other WSLP members. I of course weigh each comment to see if I necessarily agree then make changes. When I critique I focus on design and values first and then the harmonious use of color.

What do you think creates artistic blocks? How do you solve them?

Being a "plein air" painter I don't experience artistic blocks. Rather it's a problem of selectivity and focus when painting in the out of doors. Hence my extensive use of sketches. I think artistic block would occur more with a studio painter.

Do you support yourself from your art? Or do you have another job? Or are you retired? How does this affect your time to paint?

I never did retire. When I sold out my business I decided that I wasn't going to live forever and converted a very serious hobby of painting "plein air" into a profession. I minimize the maintenance aspects of life: i.e. I have never owned a lawn mower and have a reliable list of varied craftsman such as handymen, plumbers, etc. that I call upon to get household chores done.

Do you have a personal website? Did you design it? Do you maintain it? If yes, how has that helped you market your art?

Yes, it is maintained by my wife Dottie who took the proper html courses permitting her to update and change images as needed on the site. It's a great tool to market my art and a few direct sales from the site do occur each year. Also frequently I have a conversation with a gallery or consultant while both of us are viewing the site to select images of interest.

What areas do you find especially helpful or rewarding in your art career? Do you teach? Give workshops? Own a gallery? Author a book? Lecture? Participate in competitions (either as a painter or judge)? Describe your experiences.

In addition to the shear joy of painting I do enjoy giving workshops, demonstrations and lectures. I like the feedback from an audience and it keeps me sharp to talk in front of critical art groups.

What does your studio look like?

It is a 12x30 feet built as a studio some 30 years ago with large windows facing north and high ceilings all painted white.

Do you listen to music when you are painting?

Yes, I have an extensive opera collection and always have one playing while painting.

Who or what got you interested in "plein air" painting?

I lived in a beautiful area of Northwest Massachusetts and fortunately it connected with a brilliant landscape painter who got me excited about "plein air" painting.

When did you first want to become an artist? (And when did you realize you were one?) Did you draw or paint as a child? What were your subjects?

I had a brother who was good at pencil sketching. So from an early age like 10 years old I was drawing warplanes from WWII based on the books that my brother John bought for me. This then was the initial spark that got me going after all once you can draw the rest is relatively straight forward.

What exhibition have you attended recently that inspired you? Why? Tell us about the show. Do you have a favorite art quote that inspires you? (tip: go to .http://www.painterskeys.com/ for art quote source)

A show of Monet in London in Baltimore was the most recent. Some 12 magnificent paintings of the bridges of the Thames. Monet on one trip produced some 80-90 paintings all about 25x30 in size. But he took some 2 years before these paintings were exhibited continuing to refine the paintings in his studio.