This is a self-portrait made in 1991.
When I was learning to draw and paint I used to read biographies of artists that I admired. Looking back on this, I believe that time spent on this was as effective in getting me to my artistic goal of being a realistic portrait painter as time spent making pictures.
Learning about the lives of favorite artists made me realize that my life was just as ordinary (in its own very exceptional way of course) and acceptable as theirs were. There was nothing about my life that would make it difficult for me to pursue an artistic goal. In fact, though I often thought life was terribly difficult, I actually had had many advantages. Reading about these accomplished people, it became clear that I was just as much up to square zero at being an artist as these hallowed people had been. From there it was up to me to carry off what I desired. If I applied myself, I could win. Well then, I decided, if it is up to me, I would just persist. And that made all the difference.
It is in that spirit that I decided I would start writing something about my life.
So … let me start at the beginning:
I was born at 12:15 am in New Jersey on August 29, 1948, to a couple who had one daughter, Margaret, who was 15 years old. My father, 45, was a colonel in the Air Force. My mother, 42, was a homemaker. I was a “love child.” And it could not have been more true. For as long as they lived, I experienced nothing but affection, love and devotion in my parents for each other. There were never harsh words between them or towards me. They set a beautiful example and gave me all the advantages that they were able to.
My mother particularly expressed the desire to provide me with the education needed so that I would not have to work at a job that I hated. Her wish for me was that I could find a fulfilling life’s work. This became my goal as well. Of course, the road was not always smooth, but I followed it with dedication and purpose. …*/:~J.
Well, I guess that’s a bare beginning. I would love it if you would write me if you have anything particular you would like to hear about.
And don’t forget to call on this realistic portrait painter whenever a portrait is needed!
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