about me
As teenagers during summers in Monterey County, my cousin Russ (standing) and I would, following the custom, tack up our landscape paintings on the ranch house wall.
I was born in San Francisco into a family of artists who often painted the landscape. I was inspired by parents Mireille and Phil Wood, grandfather Gottardo Piazzoni, cousin Russell Chatham and great-uncle Maurice del Mué, among 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've also worked in educational media and photography.
My usual palette.
In the 1980s, I decided to practice art professionally, and have since exhibited in numerous solo and group shows, several in which art sales supported organizations working for environmental conservation.
I work most of the time on location, painting from direct observation. My larger studio canvases are derived from those outdoor paintings.
Me with my typical outdoor setup: paintbox, tripod, umbrella and backpack.
Me with my typical outdoor setup: paintbox, tripod, umbrella and backpack.
I want to create the visual equivalent of being in the landscape.
Without reliance on formula or fashion, I try to paint honestly, conveying my own sense of how a place feels and what thoughts it engenders.
I hope that you enjoy my work and find it worthy of contemplation!
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