The middle years of my career, to date, involved a great deal of exploration in both my work and my life.  Upon beginning to paint professionally, there was the certain knowledge that my work would evolve into something larger, though I lacked a crystal clear vision of what exactly that would be.  Thus, having gained a solid foundation in my work for many years, in the late 1980’s I pulled up anchor and began to experiment more and more, decisively setting out as real trooper into the unknown.  Unwilling to settle on anything comfortable, I sought to open any door that could lead to growth and evolution artistically and personally, knowing it was the only path to a clear vision and realization of some greater works, if those works were, indeed,  to be had.  This, more than I would have imagined, led to a great many changes in my life, my experiences, and my vision.

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During this time, which lasted about fifteen years, I continued to paint subject matter similar to my earlier works, while also painting radically different and purely experimental subjects in styles entirely different from what I had been doing for the earlier part of my career.  Additionally, I branched out into different mediums of expression, to include the design and fabrication of things like furniture, and ceramics, as well as wood sculpture and more decorative arts.  Also, I revisited my earlier work as a jewelry maker and designer, began to explore the world of computers and multi media arts, and spent some years devoted to music.  As my travels took me further and further, I continued with photography, having first ventured into the darkroom to print my own photographs in high school.  During these experimental exploratory years, I continued to take private commissions for paintings.  And while it may sound like I had become the captain of a ship lost at sea, quite the opposite was true.  I was exploring with a clear focus and intent, my compass fully functioning, yet with a very open mind.   And one truth that is certain is that every experience,  discipline and skill, combine to enhance both the total person and the focused individual works… in every form of expression. 

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On this page, you will see my paintings representing my more traditional works during this time period.  In these paintings, I had become more focused on the subtleties of light, color, and composition, and began to pay particular attention to atmosphere - how it changes, its importance in our perceptions, and how we interpret and feel about things.  It is easy to understand the idea of atmosphere and how it effects us by thinking of perfume, how different scents have a strong and palpable effect on us, each very different and unique, and how we might capture that in paint.