“Painting challenges me to let go of the idea of perfection and explore my own perception”

My artistic career began on the farmlands of Defiance, Ohio painting the local people and places.  I continued my artistic training at Defiance College. In 2005, I was awarded my Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts. As an honors student, I studied art and architecture in Italy and the Netherlands. These travels have given me the opportunity to study the works of Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Raphael, as well as the architectural styles so unique to these areas of the world.

Since completing my undergraduate studies, I have enjoyed teaching at a secondary school in Maryland. The classroom environment has been both greatly rewarding and challenging. I strive to create innovative lessons and pair them with field trips to galleries and museums in Washington, DC and New York City. As sponsor of the National Art Honors Society, I work with students to further develop their understanding and appreciation for art while making the school’s environment more visually stimulating. My career as an educator has shown me the tangible value and lasting effects of being an instructor and painter, and has helped to frame my understanding of the learning process and my ability to communicate the fundamental principles of the creation process.

In order to broaden my abilities and hone my technique I earned my Masters of Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University in 2012. During my studies in my masters program I learned the value of studying under artists of varying styles and media. I actively began supplementing my collegiate studies with the artist workshop series sponsored by Jarrett Thor Fine Arts. My involvement with these workshops had opened up my exposure to the local art community and several gallery openings, including several solo exhibitions as well as group and salon shows.