I started painting about 15 years ago because my friend Pat brought oil paints & canvas to a get-together. He liked my first attempt and told me he'd teach me how to paint. Once he got me started, I decided I really liked it. Now I can't stop.

When I first started, I liked to paint outdoors, well away from the crowd. People walking past would ask me, "Are you an artist?" I always said no. I don't think I had an idea who/what an artist was, so how could I be one? But as more people asked me, I started to think about what an artist was. I finally decided, if I didn't know what an artist was, how did I know I wasn't one? So now I'm starting to think maybe...

I've done paintings that I was going to throw on the burn pile, but someone said, "Oh I like that." I've done others that I really like but no one else does. So much for artistic vision.

I paint mostly in pastel. I've sold a few paintings, mostly to friends. I've even had a couple of minor commissions. I'll sell you a painting if you want one. But I paint for myself.

I need to paint more. As long as I need to, I'll keep painting.