Growing up in an artistic environment, I was constantly surrounded by and exposed to Western Art and American History. I quickly developed an appreciation of the works of Charlie Russell and Frederick Remington, as well as the works of master illustrators NC Wyeth, Harold Von Schmidt, Harvey Dunn, and Dean Cornwell. Like most 10 year olds however, I spent most of my allowence on comic books with energetic and colorful covers drawn by comic artist greats like Joe Kubert, Neal Adams and Bernie Wrightson. All these artists have over the years, along with some of todays most accomplished contemporary artists, have influenced and helped me create my own artistic style. Mixed into this is my passion and appreciation for American History, as well as a early introduction and healthy addiction to collecting period firearms, and re-creating different time periods in American History with period clothing, and civilian and military accoutrements. All these resources, plus over sixteen years as a Designer and Illustrator I use as a creative wellspring for my artwork... Well that and a few episodes of "Daniel Boone" starring Fess Parker, to help stir a 10 year olds imagination! (Personally, I was always facinated by the Shawnee... some things never change!)