My Passion is Painting Pets, People and Personalities...
The Artist Speaks...
"Art, dogs and Jazz have always been a major parts of my life. I have been an artist and a dog lover since the day that I was born. I heard Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman while in the womb.
My life now revolves around those these passions. My "family" currently includes Mako the Airedale and Punch the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV). They like to try and participate in the creative process!
I am a graduate of the University of Delaware with a B. S. in Graphic and Advertising Design and a minor in Art History. For fourteen years, I worked for a major chemical corporation as an in-house Graphic Designer. Blue Zephyr Studios, LLC was founded in 2001 as a web design company. We now specialize in Custom Pet Portraits, Photography, Fine Art and Design. A line of Airedale-related jewelry AireWear© was introduced in 2012 to accompany my Airedale textiles. Retro Pups© is my line of canine inspired accesories and prints."
I always create my paintings while listening to music - especially jazz. Jazz pianist and Classical composer, Mel Powell, is a favorite of mine and has been a strong influence on the concept behind my work. I love his work and I often paint in accompaniment to his music.
The Airedale Influence...
"Mako - CH Top Step Flash Act - the Airedale is my first show dog. Margery Good - of Charmin the Sealyham fame - was his handler. He finished his championship in two weekends and competed at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 2006 & 2007. Mako and I were featured in a nice article (with great pictures) in the Wilmington News Journal on the first day of the show. It's a blast to see your dog in the ring at Madison Square Garden!"
"I am an active member of the Airedale Terrier Club of America and on the Board of The Airedale Terrier Club of Greater Philadelphia. I am the Advertising Manager for the ATCA's publication, The American Airedale. I designed the cover art for the 2010 ATCA Yearbook.
I have have exhibited my work extensively in the Delaware Valley. My art is in private collections across the U.S. and Canada. My paintings are listed in the Delaware State Arts Counsel's on-line Artists' Directory and I have a portfolio included in the AKC Museum of the Dog.
I also belong to the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, I'm a Lifetime member of the Newark Arts Alliance plus a volunteer at the delSPCA."