Preserving ancient rock art is paramount if we are to preserve our own history of the southwest. Early Native Americans detailed hunting sites, rivers, spiritual and other significant life events onto the rock. Today we can still see these carvings and paintings in the western United States. Painting rock art on watercolor paper or canvas is this author's primary love. The desert flora, birds and peoples create colorful and interesting subject matter.

Plein-air painting of the southwestern United States is a way to enjoy the peace and quiet of this scenic region while creating works of art for sale. I love to paint the red rock and petroglyphs from the Utah area. I have the greatest respect for the ancient carvings of prehistoric Native American Indians. Some of the rock art is in the form of pictographs...painted with pigments naturally present in the minerals and plant life of the area, and dating back to before 800 B.C. "Unfortunately, many of the ranchers of the southwestern areas use the rock art for target practice or defame the rock with spray paint or their own carvings. I am afraid that if I came across someone doing this, I would lose all sense of control and club them senseless."

The native flora, wild birds and wide expanse of scenic beauty is a constant inspiration in the production of my watercolor and oil paintings.

"There is nothing like sitting out in the open, exposed to the elements with only the wind as your companion, to truly appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the southwest. Painting seems to be the natural thing to do after being as one with the scenery. My fingers will literally itch to paint when I am out in the red rock."