I work in the centuries-old tradition of plein air painting. I find that working directly from life becomes part performance-art, trying to capture the fleeting effects of light and color while contending with wind, temperature, bugs, and curious onlookers. My subjects are the land and cityscapes I find around me. I try to complete each painting in 1 or 2 sessions, sometimes completing them in the studio from memory. I was a comic book nut as a kid, copying art panels into my sketchbooks and collecting my favorite titles. I was lucky to work at Marvel Comics in NY as a teenager, making copies and getting coffee for the staff. As an undergraduate at Syracuse University, I became fascinated by the Impressionist painters. I ventured outdoors with my easel and never looked back. I earned an MA in Art education from CWRU and currently teach art for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.