Why You Havent Heard from Me

Hello! Now I’m not sure that many people read my blog and most of you probably already know this from social media. But I figured it cant hurt to document this on my website just in case. So I havent updated my website much or posted any new blogs in the last few months and theres a good reason for it, I promise! In April of this year I was unfortunately diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma which is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. Spooky right. It was especially frightening for this to happen to me at the ripe age of 31. But apparently this is the type of cancer that can happen to young people so I just happened to be a part of that unlucky statistic. But luckily for me this is a very weak and dumb cancer (my wife’s words) so even with this dark news we had a good reason to believe that I would beat it with treatment.

So beginning in late April I started a 6 month long journey of chemotherapy to slowly destroy these annoying cells who think they have the right to put my life in danger! And to make a very long story short, basically the treatment is working amazingly and as I am writing this blog post I only have 4 remaining treatments! So I am writing this from a much better place with so much more optimism in my heart than I had 4-5 months ago.

All this to say that this has been an incredibly challenging process in every way imaginable and I’m so happy to be at the tail end of it. And luckily I have been able to find a pretty good routine in between my chemo treatments so I actually have been able to paint for most of this summer! And it just so happened that before all of this I was working on a rather big and intensive Terra Human painting that I was able to continue creating when I felt able. Working on this painting sort of grounded me in a way, giving me something to work on and progress through while I was dealing with difficult emotions and scary changes in my body. Even when I was feeling terrible after a treatment I could look at the progress photos of my painting and feel proud of something that I was making.

It feels sort of poetic that as I am now in the final stages of my treatment I am also finally finishing this behemoth of a painting. Everyday I have been meticulously adjusting and adding little things because it will honestly be hard to finally call this painting complete after all we have been through together. I’m looking forward to sharing this painting soon and I really hope that the final product will be worth all of the time and effort.

Thanks for being patient with me as I navigate a particularly difficult period of life. And don’t worry! I will be back to a hundred percent soon!

"Wide Open" Has Been Sold!

I am absolutely honored to say that my original painting “Wide Open” has been sold! This is such a special painting to me for a number of reasons namely because this piece features my lovely wife’s eye. Therefore the description that I wrote for it was heavily influenced by her and how she views and interacts with the world. My wife has the incredible bravery to view both the beautiful good and unimaginable bad with an unflinching focus, always pondering how she can be a positive force in this sometimes broken world.

I feel so grateful that some lucky individual loved this painting so much that they wanted it in their home. If you are interested in prints of this piece they are available in my online shop.

Piece Description: I have had the fortune of looking into these eyes almost everyday for the past 11 years. Every raw and complicated emotion has been felt and expressed through these beautiful and haunting eyes. They hold so much love, sorrow, passion, pain, joy and sadness that the only truth of this painting is that we are looking into pure infinity.

Everyday a beautiful soul uses her eyes to see not just the good in our world but also the evil. As much as she sometimes wants to close them to the terrors of our world, she’s keeps them open feeling the pain and sadness that takes place everyday. With her eyes wide open and vulnerable, she takes in all that our world has to offer refusing the flinch at its horrifying beauty.

My Newest Interview with Shoutout Colorado!

Hey all! I’m very excited to bring you a brand new interview that I did with Shoutout Colorado recently. Some of you might remember that they originally interviewed me back in 2020 so they wanted to do a bit of a follow up interview to see how things have been in the years since. They had some really interesting questions this time around and I very much enjoyed answering them! It’s actually crazy to compare the images of my work in this article to the original one in 2020, I feel like my art has grown so much since then.

Finally Finished "Serenity"! My Newest Terra Human Painting

I am so so excited to introduce you to my newest Terra Human painting titled “Serenity”! This 30"x48" painting required several months of dedicated work (some of which while I had COVID) but it was worth it so create something that I am really proud of. As you will read in my description this painting is about finding "a place to retreat to when it hurts too much to be anywhere else." It's no secrete that I've been dealing with moderate health issues on and off for about a year now and something that has helped he through the pain and uncomfortability has been visualizing imagined places that are calming and safe for me. A place that is sheltered from the hardship of the outside world were I can feel centered and at peace. And this painting ended up being a visual manifestation of this concept.
I hope that "Serenity" can inspire you to find your own mental fortress that can bring you peace and acceptance.

S E R E N I T Y

30"x48" | Oil on canvas| $6000
Payment plans are available

Painting Description

He knew that he needed to search at night. There was no other time that would give him the complete silence that he needed to walk with purpose. After hours upon hours of trudging through jagged rocks, thick bushes and patches of snow he finally passed through a thick layer of mist and found himself illuminated by the light of the moon above the clouds.

Once he found his footing he finally lifted his head and what he saw pulled the breath from his lungs.  After searching for so many years he had almost given up on the idea of finding this exact place of solace, somewhere he could go to in the darkest of times, a place to retreat to when it hurts too much to be anywhere else. A location so remote and peaceful that it cannot be penetrated by any malice or pain no matter how hard the outside world tries. And sleeping atop these mountains was a piece of him that he never knew existed. A part of him that could truly rest and feel a complete oneness with this environment. From this distance, he could just barely see her chest move in and out with every long breath. Her peace allowed him to finally feel safe and he began to understand himself absent from any other viewpoints. In finding this place he discovered a serenity that had evaded him his entire life.

Note on Payment Plans: Art is expensive, I get it. And I want the people who love a painting the most to have access to that piece even if they cannot pay for it all at once. So if you are interested in a particular painting please reach out to me so that we can create a payment plan that works for both of us. I'm very lucky that my website allows for a variety of payment options and I've already used this system with several clients. I currently charge 0% interest on payment plans.

"Wishing for Eternity" Has Been Sold!

Hello all! I am thrilled to say that my original painting “Wishing for Eternity” has been sold! I created this painting in 2022 and since the final brush stroke I knew this was very special.

 
 

At the center of this piece is the very human desire for a moment in time to last for eternity, while knowing the harsh reality that nothing stays the same forever. The time period while making this painting was very much like this for me, I was in such a blissful period of my life and once I realized how perfect everything felt I was almost immediately drug down by the fear of losing this bliss. So I found myself writing about this mixture of feels for this painting in order to process it and bring a visual to the ephemeral bliss that we all experience sometimes.

 
 

It’s safe to say that this painting is deeply personal to me and I feel extremely honored that someone connected with it and is so excited to hang it in their home. This collector has been a long time supporter of me and my work and it was so lovely to connect with her through this painting.

"Same Breath" Limited Edition Prints are Available Now!

Hi Friends, long time no see! This is the official release of my limited edition prints of "Same Breath". I knew from the very first brushstrokes that this painting is was going to be extra special and thanks to an outpour of love on social media along with the immediate sale of the original painting I knew that I needed to make prints of this unique piece.

 
 

Each 14"x14" print comes in a black frame with clear glass in front of the print for protection. I will only be printing a total of 200 copies of this painting and after that the edition will be over. I will be shipping hand signed certificates of authenticity to accompany each print. This is a limited time drop lasting until Friday November 22nd.

 
 
 
 

Three Paintings in Upcoming Show at Art Mozaik

I am honored to have three of my paintings showcased in the upcoming show “Senses” at Art Mozaik Fine Art Gallery in Santa Fe. “Harvest Moon”, “First Steps” and “Sower of Seeds” will all be on displace at the reception on Friday November 1st from 5pm-7pm and will stay up throughout the month. If you are in the area please stop by the opening reception and enjoy some beautiful artworks!

 
 

My Thoughts on Social Media and Artistic Nudity

I want to say something regarding my recent painting “Same Breath” and how instagram decided to react to my first post of it.

 
 

Even though I was warned by other artists who paint nude figures regularly I can’t help but be disappointed in instagram’s immediate penalization of my content. Luckily my post wasn’t removed but they flagged it and removed several posts on my story in addition to making me ineligible for monetization for several weeks. And since posting this painting several more times each time was met with another slap on the wrist. All of this for a piece of artwork that showcases the dynamic beautify of the human form. Unfortunately I have shied away from making paintings like this for years in fear of these exact consequences. Even though I have loved illustrating the nude figure ever since my first figure drawing classes in college, I have held back in my professional work because I knew that social media can be strict with their community guidlines. I find it most frustrating that meta chose to flag my post for “sexual content” when (I want to be loud and clear about this) there is nothing inherently sexual about the human form, nude or otherwise. Sexualization is something imposed on the nude body by an external viewer who cannot appreciate its innate beauty and strength so they result to objectification. The painting I posted came from the depths of my soul, it was raw, emotional, and sensitive but in no way sexually driven in any way. I you read the description you will know it is about the transition of a soul from one form to another. And I hate to play the blame game but I have seen some unspeakably offensive posts on this platform relating to sex, violence, racism and sexism that were not only allowed to stay up but were actually amplified by the algorithm to be seen by more and more people.

 
 

If I’m being honest this is an issue that is much broader than instagram. Our culture has developed to a point that we are so afraid of the human form that it is specifically hidden from sight and ONLY to be seen in a sexual context. So it’s no wonder that this is how our minds work. Just for some personal context, when I took live model drawing classes in college, me and all of the students learned very quickly that not only does nudity not equate to sex but it also showcases the striking uniqueness and universality of all our bodies. When you as a student sit at your drawing horse for hours upon hours thoughtfully observing and replicating the incredible curves, angles and textures of the human form you gain a deep appreciation for the human body as a work of art and not something to be sexualized in every context. When our instructor found people to model for our classes he made sure to find a variety of people of all shapes, sizes and ages and through this exposure we all learned to find beauty in all of these forms.

Sorry if I am rambling but this feedback from instagram got my mind thinking about these ideas and I wanted to vocalize them. Art is so important to me and I feel like it can benefit so many people if we are ready to engage in it. And I specifically think that artwork involving nudity can have a powerful role in reshaping our societies skewed views of sexuality, hopefully creating a renewed appreciate and respect for the bodies we all inhabit.


I’m sure that meta will most definitely NOT fix their system but I just wanted to vent my thoughts to you all and remind you that we all move about this world in a precious vessel. This body that we inhabit deserves to be respected and appreciated as a work of art.

The Wait is Over! Two Brand New Terra Human Paintings!

Hello, I hope you are doing well! I'm really excited to share two brand new Terra Human Paintings with you today! As some of you may know I was not able to finish these paintings in time for the Contemporary Figuration show at Abend Gallery due to a muscle spasm in my neck. So after many many hours of painting I finally finished these two pieces and am so excited to share them with you. For clarity these paintings are available DIRECTLY from me since they were never exhibited at the gallery.

 
 

If you have the time please read my descriptions for the paintings as well, I dedicate a lot of time and energy into writing thoughtful descriptions for every painting I make and these are certainly no exception.  I really hope that these paintings encourage introspection and a renewed sense of empathy. Please reach out to me if you want to know more about these paintings (ie. additional photos or videos). They can be purchased directly from my website by using the buttons below the photos. Payment plans are available upon request so don't hesitate to contact me if that is something you are interested in.

 
 

"Same Breath"  |  12"x12" Framed  |  *SOLD*

Painting Description
After wandering the harsh and unforgiving mountains for longer than he could remember he realized that he had forgotten what he was searching for. He was desperately in need of something but could never find it and couldn’t even name it. Not knowing what to do or where to go he stoped in his tracks, kneeled down and reached down into the earth that he had been traversing on top of for all of his life. Feeling something soft among the dirt and roots he used all of this strength to pull a human form from the earth that housed it for so long. He held her in this exact spot for years looking at her in awe and feeling at peace, as if he finally understood something better than he understood himself. And the longer he held her the more he wished to see the world as she might see it.
Slowly every breath he exhaled moved a part of his soul into her. Until he no longer had the strength to hold her but as he took his last breath she took her first and she was able to hold him as his warmth departed. Saying goodbye she slowly lowered him to rest in the mountains as the tress and plants lovingly embraced his presence. In a new form but with the same breath she was now free to walk this earth truly at peace, no longer searching.

 
 

"Harvest Moon"  |  12"x16" Framed  |  $2500

Painting Description
In times of true despair we are the most open to changing our ways. When our hearts are finally empty and our minds exhausted we finally look outside of ourselves to do the one thing we swore we would never do, ask for help. Less than halfway up the mountain we collapse, we lay down our pride and stop ignoring the pain that has plagued us for so much of the journey. With tears falling from our eyes we give in to all that has overwhelmed us, finally acknowledging the hurt and letting it envelope us.
After some time of gazing at the moon for comfort we finally look around to see many others who are illuminated by the moonlight as well, all making the same journey up the mountain. But they all look down as they trudge their way up with the same pains and despair weighing them down. All but one who notices us sitting in the cold dirt and offers an open hand but when we are too exhausted to take it so they decide to sit down with us, staring at the moon and enjoying the comfort of another.

"As One" has been SOLD!

I am so honored to say that my painting “As One” has been sold! This piece has been so special to me for several years now and I’m ecstatic that it found a new home.

For me, this painting served as a giant leap forward in my skill level and confidence as an artist when I made it back in 2019. While creating this piece I had to silence so many doubts and trust myself and the final result allowed me to keep pushing with even bigger and better paintings.

And while I have you here, I want to encourage you to use the button below to see what paintings and prints are available in my online shop! Artwork can make for such meaningful holiday gifts!

International ARC Salon Semi-Finalist!

I am absolutely honored to announce that my painting "Light After Dark" is a semi-finalist in the 16th International ARC Salon! With over 5400 submissions from 75 countries, humbled doesn't even begin to describe my mental state. I've wanted to apply to this competition for years now but always missed the deadline. So I honestly cant believe that one of my pieces got selected.

 

The finalists will be announced on November 1st! As always thank you for your continued support over social media! It is greatly appreciated.

“Light After Dark” is currently available for purchase from my solo show with Abend Gallery. Use the button below to view it in their shop!

 

Newest Painting "Our Gentle Hands" has been SOLD!

I'm really excited to say that my painting "Our Gentle Hands" has been sold! I really appreciate all of your kind words and insights about this painting, I worked extremely hard on it so it makes me really happy to see it go to a new home! And thank you to everyone who expressed interest in this painting, I don't think Ive ever had so many inquires!

 
 
 

I will have a full process video for this painting soon plus I’m planning on doing a print release as well so stay tuned!

 

Complete Process video for "Through the Leaves"

I hope you enjoy this process video for my painting “Through the Leaves” this piece not only required a lot of technical skill but also a lot of thought and reflection. This original painting is currently available from Abend Gallery in Denver if you are interested! You can click the button below to view this piece on the gallery website.

Complete Process Video for "Interconnection"

I hope you enjoy this process video for my painting “Interconnection” this piece took many hours of planning and prep as well as many more hours of concentrated work. This piece is currently available from Abend Gallery in Denver if you are interested! You can click the button below to view this piece on the gallery website.

Three Paintings Sold to a New Collector!

 

Hi everyone! I'm really happy to say "Surrender" "Impending Storm" and "Ghost Ranch" have all sold to a new collector! I always feel so fortunate when someone new finds my work and decides that they just have to have some of it in their home.

I want to give a special shoutout to the Los Alamos community for engaging in my work on facebook and welcoming me as a new small business. Their kind and welcoming words really help me feel like my art is connecting with people. I feel very luck to be a part of such a well-connected and engaging community!

 

Brand New Terra Human Painting | "Interconnection"

My final brand new painting for the "Contemporary Figuration" show at Abend Gallery is here! Say hello to "Interconnection" This lovely original painting is available on Abend's website. Click the button below to view this piece on the Abend webstite.

Here is the painting description: The world contained within this painting shows us blending seamlessly with the environments that we love. Every memory, emotion and thought that is contained within us is interwoven with those of the earth to create a single beauty. The immense highs and lows in our lives directly mimic the mountains and valleys in a way that shows the earth understands us to the core. The mountains listen to our thoughts and feelings while the stars comprehend our dreams and aspirations. The trees plants and animals grow and live for decades only to lose their lives and begin again in another form.
As a viewer we are allowed only a momentary glance at this world through a window so that we may contemplate our existence and what we wish to do with our time.

3 New Terra Human Paintings for the Holiday Miniatures Show!

I’m really excited to share 3 brand new Terra Human paintings for the 30th Annual Holiday Miniatures Show at Abend Gallery!
These pieces along with many other incredible paintings are now officially available during the virtual opening at AbendGallery.com click the button below to view this amazing show! Scroll down to view all three of my paintings!

 
 

“A Moment of Acceptance”

7”x11'“

Oil on Artefex Panel (Framed)

Available for $775 from Abend Gallery

This piece serves as a reminder of the importance of our self image. How we think of and speak to ourselves greatly influences our mental health and mental well-being and unfortunately we can be our own biggest critics. But if we can choose to give ourselves the grace and patience that we give others we will find ourselves in a healthier mental state. Like many of us, the person in this painting sometimes asks too much of herself and can’t help but speak words of negativity in order to push herself. But these words can do more harm that we know, degrading our self worth and leaving us unbalanced. The moment in this painting is a moment of realization. A moment in which we see ourselves for all of our strengths and weaknesses and decide to give ourselves the grace that we need to stay healthy and balanced.

 
 

“Creator and Creation”

7”x11'“

Oil on Artefex Panel (Framed)

Available for $775 from Abend Gallery

This piece illustrates the innate connection we all have with the natural world that created us. The incredible nature that surrounds us serves many purposes and one of which is the way in which it encourages us to look inward and recalibrate our identity. Often times our fast paced lifestyle causes us to lose sight of who we are and replaces our empathy with malice and judgment that distances us from others and ourselves. Our primal brains are still catching up with the ever changing lives that we live, which are filled with social media, technology and an overwhelming amount of complicated people. 

But when we are able to step out of the day to day chaos and immerse ourselves in the nature that created us we connect with our surroundings and tap into our primal nature. This innate connection we have with nature can help us reestablish what we value in our lives and it can help us grow as individuals to then better serve others.

 
 

“The Giver”

7”x11'“

Oil on Artefex Panel (Framed)

Available for $775 from Abend Gallery

This piece is an ode to those who strive to do good in this world. The people who despite the darkness surrounding them emit a light of empathy, kindness and understanding that inspires others. These people are the helpers, listeners, watchers and hard workers who always seek to help the world even in the most microscopic of moments or gestures and never ask for anything in return. The heart of a giver is one that should be cherished.