about me
In my studio.
As teenagers during summers in Carmel Valley, my cousin Russ (standing) and I would paint our surroundings – oaks and canyons, barns and fences – and tack our paintings on the wall of the ranch house.
As teenagers during summers in Carmel Valley, my cousin Russ (standing) and I would paint our surroundings – oaks and canyons, barns and fences – and tack our paintings on the wall of the ranch house.
I was born in San Francisco into an artistic family and drew and painted from an early age, inspired by artists: parents Mireille and Phil Wood, grandfather Gottardo Piazzoni, cousin Russ Chatham and great-uncle Maurice del Mué, among many others.
Earning a B.A. (University of California Berkeley) and an M.A. (San Francisco State University) in English, I taught college composition and literature for several years in New York and California. I also worked in educational media and photography, and was active in theater and music. I live in Marin County, California.
As teenagers during summers in Carmel Valley, my cousin Russ (standing) and I would paint our surroundings – oaks and canyons, barns and fences – and tack our paintings on the wall of the ranch house.
As teenagers during summers in Carmel Valley, my cousin Russ (standing) and I would paint our surroundings – oaks and canyons, barns and fences – and tack our paintings on the wall of the ranch house.
As teenagers during summers in Carmel Valley, my cousin Russ (standing) and I would paint our surroundings – oaks and canyons, barns and fences – and tack our paintings on the wall of the ranch house.
I didn't initially aspire to a career in art, but just liked painting, mostly landscape.
Later on, I decided to pursue my artwork more seriously. Since the 1980s, I've exhibited in numerous one-man and group shows.
Most of my paintings are done directly, on location; I make larger canvases in the studio, based on those smaller field paintings as well as drawings and notes.
Mount Burdell, Novato. I'm using my customary 9x12 paintbox.
As teenagers during summers in Carmel Valley, my cousin Russ (standing) and I would paint our surroundings – oaks and canyons, barns and fences – and tack our paintings on the wall of the ranch house.
Mount Burdell, Novato. I'm using my customary 9x12 paintbox.
When I go out to paint, I take time looking for a composition that interests me, which may include an unexpected association of shapes, an interplay of light and shadow, or a particular resonance of color. My aim is to convey the visual equivalent of being in the landscape.
My studio is open for scheduled shows and otherwise by appointment.