I grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota on the scenic Saint Croix River and attended the University Of Minnesota, where I studied photography and music then, Eastern Washington University for general studies and later, information technology.

I now live outside of Dayton, Washington in the foothills of the Blue Mountains with my wife Jan and son Adam. We also have three grown children, John, Lisa and Clayton. Jan and I own and operate the Ace Hardware store in Pullman, Washington .

I have always loved to draw and paint however, as an adult, I didn't do any serious art work until early 2002 when I rediscovered watercolor after dabbling around with it fifteen years earlier. I now paint for relaxation and personal enjoyment with the hopes of having more time to devote to it some day. I prefer to paint from photos and try to capture my subjects as realistically as my skills allow.  People and pets are my favorite subjects but I also enjoy painting landscapes, buildings, flowers, and wildlife. I am intrigued with light and shadow and try to choose subjects that include varied lighting from harsh sun to soft, indirect, reflected light.