What is your medium now? (oils, acrylic, pastel, watercolor...) What medium have you always wanted to use, but haven't yet? What mediums have you used in the past? Why do you prefer your current medium?

I do water colors. I have no ambitions to use other media. I like the brightness you can get with water colors. And you can store a lot of them under the bed.

When do you know a painting is really finished? Or are you always wanting to "tweak" it a bit more?

I do some tweaking. But I'm not compulsive about it. Also, with water colors, there is a limit on what you can do.

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?

I like to participate in, and receive, critiques. I learn a lot. In others, I look for values, composition, and subject matter.

Have you ever had a breakthrough moment that made you change how and why you do your art? What was it? How has your art changed over time?

I don't know about any "breakthrough" moments. I generally stick with urban scenes. But I like the opportunities to try new things. For instance, I have recently been working in a, for me, smaller format. And I have also dabbled lately with portraits, including a self-portrait, for a change of pace.

Though most of us prefer working outdoors, do you prefer a studio where you live or maintaining a separate space? Why?

I sometimes paint outdoors. But generally I prefer to spend a lot of time walking around an area and getting a real feel for it before taking lots of photos under different lighting conditions. (I am big on shadows.) I mostly paint at home, sitting at a table.

Do you have a family pet that keeps you company when painting? Either indoors or out?

I have two cats and a bird. The cats like to sit on my painting while I am painting it and the bird sometimes sits on my head as I work. (Not at the same time!)

In light of the current world climate, what do you feel is the role of the artist? (For instance, do landscape painters have a responsibility to record nature before it's developed?)

I am especially interested in recording areas that are in rapid transition before they are completely built or ppaved over. Examples are Clarendon in Arlington and Locust Point in Baltimore. I believe there are interesting paintings on every street and in every neighborhood-not only at the conventional scenic locations.

Is there something from your childhood, perhaps a memory of a favorite place, that you find yourself repeatedly drawn to to paint?

I guess my usual urban subject matter reflects my childhood. I was brought in the heavily urban and industrial East End of London. I have spent my entire life living in London, Chicago, New York City, or Washington D.C. Rural, is just not my scene. It is not what I know. Besides, I don't like painting trees.

Any advice for those contemplating life as an artist?

Advice to those contemplating life as an artist - "Have a rich uncle."

What do you consider your best work? Why?

You have to believe that every painting you start on will be your best yet.