My career as an historical artist started in my childhood. I have always been interested in Military History since when I was growing up in England, where World War 2 was still talked about as if it happened yesterday. Like most baby boomers, my father and uncles all served in the military. So there was never a shortage of stories to tell or souvenirs to show.
My Mom would on many occasions take me and by brother to see the very latest War movie that would be shown at the local theater. We would take the short walk to the Cinema in Edgware and see movies like Zulu, The Battle of the Bulge and 633 Squadron. Other favorites were The Devil’s Brigade, Tobruk, Major Dundee, and The Blue Max. I am sure these films, as well as their Marquee Posters that hung just outside the building, guided me towards a career as an artist.
During my youth in Virginia, I was drawn to fantasy artists like Frank Frazetta, The Brothers Hildebrandt, and Boris Vallejo. In college, I was exposed to more traditional illustrators like N.C. Wyeth and Howard Pyle.
Education
My formal training as an artist started in Baltimore, where I attended school at the Maryland Institute College of Art from 1983 to 1984. I then transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, graduating in 1987 with a degree in Communication Arts and Design.
Professional Employment
Very soon after graduation, I was steadily employed as a graphic designer in Virginia. Then I moved to Ohio, where I have been working as a web developer and illustrator with 2Shea Creative, a full-service graphic design studio, since 1995.
Painting
It was recently that I started thinking about pursuing my career to become a full time painter and historical artist. I initially started with a focus on sports history, specifically football around the early 1900’s. You can see some of the work in another section of my website.
A little later I started to change direction and concentrate more on Military Art. I was especially interested in the American Civil War. I liked the research, going to libraries and the occasional reenactment whenever I can. Even though painting around my full time job can sometimes be exhausting, it is what I enjoy.