From an article in the The New Yorker (2016) on the death of architect Zaha Hadid:

…………………………………………………………………………….

“Architects are, as a rule, old. Architecture is the slowest art. Unlike the closely adjacent fields of mathematics and music, architecture resists prodigies. The body of knowledge required is so broad, and the pace of design and construction is so stately, that it takes a long time to find your way. Celebrated designers, from Louis Kahn to Frank Gehry, usually don’t build much until their late forties, and they often work willfully into their ninth and tenth decades.”

…………………………………………………………………………….

This observation is absolutely true. Which begs the question, why would I leave architecture at the prime age of 58 to paint? 

The passing of several family members drove home the fact that life is finite and left me contemplating what else I would enjoy doing as a ‘second chapter’ to my professional life.       

Therefore, in 2014 I rented a small studio in a commercial building and turned my energies full time to the Fine Arts, in particular, to oil painting. 

Given that I had no formal art training I felt I had a lot of ground to make up. I have always had a keen interest in figure and portrait painting so I started there. In the same way I assembled an architecture library, I began to collect art books. Multiple anatomy books, full skeleton drawings, and endless sketches later I began to understand which bones and muscles give form to the body. Workshops with artists Rob Liberace, Steve Early, and in particular Dan Thompson were very helpful.

I have also spent time focusing on painting urban landscapes. Makes sense – given my interest and background. In particular, I enjoy exploring the energy that people, cars, buildings and edges give cities. Combining my interest in people and the urban world, I am currently developing several paintings that focus on the interactions of people in the city (not just including them for scale or as props). Watching and observing cities tells us there is a story there – we just have to figure it out. 

Subject, composition, and paint application are all important, but for me, ultimately, the power of a painting hinges on the depiction of light and color on the canvas.

If you have any questions or would like to inquire about available paintings, commission a portrait, or take lessons, please contact me with the form at the end of this page.

…………………………………………………………………………….

ASSOCIATIONS

Newton Open Studios

Lyme Art Association

Unbound Visual Arts

…………………………………………………………………………….

UPCOMING SHOWS:

Wellesley Public Library, Wellesley Ma – December 2025

…………………………………………………………………………….

PAST SHOWS:

Newton Public Library, Newton, Ma – December 2024

Newton Open Studio – 2024 at New Art Center at Trio

Wellesley Public Library, Wellesley Ma – October 2023

Newton Open Studio – 2023 at New Art Center at Trio 

Reflections – Newton Free Library –  October  2022

Solo, Portraits People/Places, Newton Library 2019

Solo, Watercolors, Newton Public Library

Solo, Watercolors, Norumbega Gallery, Weston

Group Show, Urban Portraits, NewTV Gallery, Newton