Growing up right along side, on top of, and sometimes under calves, ponies, mules, pups, kittens, a bucking barrel, an occasional chicken, and a plethora of other non-descript mammals and unidentifiable insects, has given me a hands-on approach to anatomy.

     There were many times when we would saddle up to gather cattle and I would stuff my camera in my saddle bags along with a can of Vienna sausages and a roll of T.P. and would attempt to capture a Kodak moment whenever the chance afforded itself. Because of those times I now have an extensive photographic library of cows, horses, wildlife, women and children (having two daughters and two sons), rodeo cowboys of questionable character and other unique situations etc. categorized in order of subject matter to draw upon when creating a piece of artwork.

     Being a pencil artist my whole life, I have learned how to draw and compose, and as of January 2004, I “morphed” into the world of music. From western to contemporary jazz and blues paintings, the oil paintings are done on textured “wrap-around” Canvas and Masonite panels. Em and I both make the panels from start to finish so that the customer is assured of quality craftsmanship all the way to the actual painting itself. The panels are built in a way that excludes them from having to be framed. I also have done numerous life-size paintings which are hanging in galleries and homes throughout the United States. A list of my accomplishments, awards and invitational art shows are also available for you to view here.

     My wife Emily and I now reside high in the mountains of southern New Mexico, in the Loma Grande mountain range, surrounded by wildlife, clean air and most importantly my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We call our little piece of Heaven, the “Notevena Ranch and Art Gallery”. Lincoln County New Mexico is home to the world’s richest quarter horse race at Ruidoso Downs, Smoky Bear, Billy The Kid, and not a whole lot of other people. My kids were involved in 4-H and FFA, bred and showed animals in the county and state fairs, plodded through miles of manure, and as a result, they are better off for it.