The Beginning - A little background

I had never aspired to be an artist growing up. As a child I had dreamed of being a famous actor and writing music. I put my focus into activities that bettered the odds of achieving these well-drawn out visions.

I did draw when I was young and I loved my art classes. Many students would ask me for help with their drawings. A substitute teacher in the art classes had asked me to draw for the National Duck Stamp competition. At this time, my focus was in tap dancing and performing on the stage. I could care less in some silly ducks. (I now realize the value of this competition; never turn down the opportunity at a young age!)

My mother is an artist and she has completed gorgeous paintings. She was accepted into a prestigious art school in New York City but turned it down after being steered away from the challenges of such a career. She still paints but became wonderful physical therapist.

Here is the first painting I have ever done. I was, say 11(?) when I painted this with my mom.

It seems after this painting, I stopped doing art completely. I was overwhelmed with acting, singing and school. I was pursuing my dreams. It wouldn't be until my junior year of high school that I rediscovered my love for art.

A participated in the International Baccalaureate program at Flathead High School and I wanted to enter the History IB at the beginning of the school year after a friend talked me into it. I had to rearrange my schedule which left the only option of Art IB. Immediately I felt excitement and went to the teacher asking for permission to enter her class. I believe everything happens for a reason and I have been perfectly guided.

Art IB became my favorite class and I flourished. I stayed in class to 6pm every day working on assignments and personal projects. It was a 2 year course and in my 2^nd year I really began to paint.

I remember I told my teacher I wanted to do a 3ftx4ft oil painting of horses. Such a huge undertaking for having not painted much before, but I knew exactly what I wanted to do! My teacher, of course, showed her hesitancy but gave me the go ahead.

Here is the painting.

Students and faculty stopped by the room to see it hanging on the wall. I gifted this painting to my mom.

The next painting I completed was the Grizzly, I believe. This is my breakthrough painting. It was painted purely from my imagination. I realized I have talent and wanted to continue improving. Most importantly, I loved it… more than acting, more than singing. I also decided to study art education in college instead of music.

This painting hangs on my wall above my bed in my permanent collection.

I received a perfect score on my art exam and a $10,000 per year, renewable scholarship to study art at any college. I graduated 2010.

My art teacher is one of my best friends and we have traveled to Venice, Italy together and continue to talk regularly.

I went to Marietta College in Ohio my first year of college. Marietta is a beautiful school and really loved the art program and faculty. I miss them greatly. By the graciousness of the professor I was able to enter the intermediate painting class without the prerequisites. I began to hone down my skills and learn the techniques of the medium. I put in many hours to produce paintings by the dozen.

I posted them to Facebook and began to have my first few sales!

I digress…

I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit. As a boy I kept a journal where I would write down all my inventions and ideas. I was always coming up with ways to attract money, and I did! My whole life I said I will be a millionaire. I even invested in a walk-in butterfly pavilion/garden where I raised Monarch butterflies for wedding releases. I love business and to this day, have only been my own boss.

After selling several pieces of art, I took myself to the galleries around Marietta to put work in them with the hope of generating more interest. I also recognized by passion for western themes in art. My art seemed out of place in Ohio. I considered returning to Montana. Marietta College also did not offer art education as a degree.

I transferred to Montana State University, a decision I regret, but again I was guided by His divine plan.

Montana State University’s art program was less than desirable. I wanted to drop out of school many times and pursue art full time or switch my major. The scholarship and my parents kept me painting. I put in my time for studio art and credits for the teaching license and got out!

I did go to Italy for a semester… Incredible! It was the best semester.

During these 2.5 years at MSU I continued to paint out of a small studio set up in my bedroom. I supported myself financially through sales, always wondering why I wasn’t doing this full time maximizing my selling potential. Well, the time has finally come!