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 paint primarily in oil and watercolor although I have painted in acrylics and pastel. My preferred medium is oil. Often the watercolor have limited pastel touches to bring out the lights. I've never used encaustic but think it would be interesting. I can get a larger variety of effects from oil.

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

I usually have a predetermined vision. When the painting conveys that vision, I consider it finished. Tweaking is the death knell of good pictures.

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

Laziness! - Paint them out.

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

Working with the collection at the National Gallery of Art has been a boon to my own painting. I like teaching and writing. I often lecture and jury exhibitions. All of this makes for an interesting world.

Can you describe a comical situation that occurred during one of your painting sessions that others would enjoy hearing?

Chesapeake waterman, "How much for that painting?"
Artist, "Oh, about $4,000 framed."
Waterman, "Can you take that in crabs?"

Another time -
Waterman's mother, "Don't be here when I get back from the grocery store! I don't want you painting my old house!"

Have you had a personal mentor? If yes, who? and how did he/she help you?

Primarily Water Stuempfig. Also several but not all were artists. They taught me painting, gave me an understanding of nature and people and perseverance. My father was a great influence through his love of the outdoors.

Do you have a favorite art quote that inspires you?

"The landscape is the point of departure. We're here to make art!" Walter Stuempfig, while painting en plein air in 1964.

Describe your dream studio space.

A sandy point surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay - on three sides, of course.

What might we want to know about you that may or may not be related to your art?

I've got a great wife and kids although the kids are grown. Alice, my wife, is tolerant and supportive of my painting and allows me the time to paint.

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