The process I use involves several steps that make the paintings unique in texture and style.

The suede matboard is essentially a soft velvet pile on a sturdy paper backing. In most of my pictures, the background you see is the actual suede.

After making a preliminary drawing, I apply a chalk layer of deep color to the larger areas in a technique similar to base-coating in oil painting. This helps create an appearance of depth and texture and prevents the background from showing through.

Since most of the chalks I use are soft pastels, it must be worked into the pile to layer well. To do this I use my fingers (very messy!) and paper tortillions (also known as blending stumps).

Most paintings require several layers in different shades of color. Once they are applied, I blend the layers of chalk together and mold the areas of shadow and highlight with my hands for a smooth, even texture - almost like airbrush! I use this process up until add the the last fine details (usually with hard pastels or pastel pencil).

The photo at the right shows my painting Comanche Boy, (12x16), half-way to completion.

Each painting is framed immediately upon completion. Many people spray finished pastels with fixatives or protective sealants, but I have never used any chemical products on my paintings. Instead, I have found that placing the glass directly on the suede creates a static bond and prevents any loosening of the chalk. I use only non-glare (or non-reflective) glass to avoid the "mirror effect" of looking into a smooth surface. This also means the painting will show well under any lighting.

High-quality pastels keep their color extremely well, and the thorough layering process ensures that the image is much more durable than on paper; however I highly discourage removing the painting from its original custom-built frame.

Would you like to see a painting step-by-step from start to finish? Visit my Latest page and see what's happening with my most recent project, or watch the development of previous paintings. For more behind-the-scenes of my pastel paintings, check out my Blog.

Most of the portraits are based on photographs from the Edward Curtis collection, unless otherwise noted. Curtis spent decades during the late 19th and early 20th centuries traveling across the United States and eventually took more than 40,000 photographs of Native American people. You can visit my Blog for more about Curtis and other early photographers documenting Indian country.

For my wildlife paintings, I obtain reference photographs from public domain sources such as the US Fish & Wildlife Service, or by permission of the photographer. For specific questions about rights & usage please contact me.

Each painting requires a variety of soft and hard pastels. I use Sennelier soft pastels, Prismacolor Nupastels, and Art Spectrum most frequently.

No. I never use any chemical products on my artwork. The suede has a deep pile that allows the chalk to blend deep into the surface for a more permanent finish. The painting is then framed with the suede directly against the glass - this creates a static bond and prevents any loosening of the chalk.

Yes. Immediately after completion, each painting is enclosed in a custom-built frame that protects the surface and beautifully complements the artwork. Non-reflective glass is used to prevent glare.

No. Part of the value of original art lies in the fact that each individual painting is hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind, and will never be mass- produced. This gives them a high long-term value.

My paintings are available online through my online Gallery Store.

Yes! When you purchase artwork through my Gallery Store, you will be taken to a secure PayPal checkout. The entire transaction is encrypted to ensure the protection of your personal information. Your painting is shipped carefully and insured for its full value.

Yes, international collectors are welcome! PayPal's merchant services also provide currency conversion.

Absolutely! A fine art original makes a perfect gift for a friend or loved one. Just specify this when purchasing your painting and be sure to provide the appropriate shipping information. I'll even provide complimentary gift wrapping at your request!

Occaisionally. Click here to view a PDF brochure explaining more about commissions.

The banner is composed of two photos; one by Edward Curtis, Zuni Girl (1903), and one by Gertrude Kasebier, depicting two men from Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show (c.1900).