From the life drawing entrance exams to the semester jury's, New World School of the Arts was an elite contemporary artistic training center. The 9th grade felt just like the 4th year in college at New World School of the Arts. I remember when New World had the old basement. Down there was the real deal as far as a creation center. The printmaking studio and the ceramic quarters where inspirational and made you want to create. I was training myself traditionally, creating non-stop observational works of objects around my house and scenes around my neighborhood. I focused mainly on establishing a traditional foundation so that I would have as much tools as possible to develop a contemporary style. The senior class of visual artist to me resembled what could be the Impressionist group or the Neo-dadist. Out of the senior group I remember those artist and wonder why their work isn't publically available today.

Louise Romeo was a strong inspirational force at the school. She gave us an assignment to do a painting from a small collage picture. That method I use today. If i can't actually be at a scene drawing the atmosphere or landscape, I'll collage a piece. I'll sketch out the original idea on paper, like where the figures go and where the landscape is described. Then I'll take photos or find photo images of structures, textures and colors and then collage them by hand or in Photoshop. As I paint, I focus on the original composition which was drawn and then use the collage as a guide for specific information on the structures, textures and colors of the composition. In order to make the painting from collage feel live and fresh and not just like a copy of the collage you must be well trained in creating real life observational works and study's.

Aramis O'reilly was understanding and supportive as a teacher. He taught me that the way you organize your palette affects the color of your work. I remember I showed him a book on Egon Schiele and he described to me in a simple way the beauty of Egon Schiele's lines.

Tom Wyroba basically drove us to create and inspired everyone. His leadership and insight into art was college material at a high school level. He always motivated us to have a sketch book with us at all times. I still maintain the idea that a sketch book is an important part of the artistic process.

Susan Banks was inspirational and made students want to create. One time I was looking for canvas or cardboard or anything to paint on and I came across Susan in the hall way. I asked her where I could find some surface to paint on, I never forgot the supportive response she gave me. It was inspirational because she jumped and told me we must get some canvas immediately, and she was real passionate about it. She was like somebody get this kid materials, he has to create.


Early Works – View early works created from 1996-1999


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