Don was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA. He graduated with a BA in Art from California State University, Northridge. 

After graduating, Don segued into  Theatre, studying drama, dance, and voice.  He performed in musical theatre productions in southern and central California.  He applied his visual arts in the creation of scenic designs, costumes, and wig and make-up design.

A trip to Paris in 1993 was inspirational, and awakened Don’s love of art.  In 2003, he discovered the national organization, Plein Air Painters of America, and began attending workshops throughout the States and abroad.  He has been inspired by many of today’s premier plein air artists.

Don has resided in the Portland/Vancouver metro area for over 20 years, and draws inspiration from the region, in both inland and coastal regions, as well as from his trips abroad.

Don has been a member of the American Impressionists Society,  Oregon Society of Artists, Alla Prima Portland,  and has won ribbons in regional art shows and competitions.  He has been represented by Angst Gallery, Vancouver,  Primary Elements Gallery, Cannon Beach, OR, and is on display at The Marshall House, in the Fort Vancouver Historic Reserve.

ART STATEMENT

In my paintings I seek to convey a mood, a moment, or a memory, with expressive brushwork.  An enthusiast of the Impressionists and Post- Impressionists Schools,  I utilize some of their methods, while re-inventing them for myself.  I have a sense of adding light into a painting, and when that light starts to emanate from the canvas itself, I know that I’m near completion.  I am often drawn by the timelessness or nostalgia of a scene.  In a world often filled with violence and unrest, I seek to reflect beauty, peace, and the joy of the Creator.