A little history...
I began painting when I was about 12, in 1986. I started painting dragons and fairies because, well, that was what I was into. I began entering paintings into the local arts and crafts show in my town when I was 13, and regularly sold dragons, witches and mythical creatures in area art shows throughout my teen years.
In college I got more into painting imaginary landscapes ... otherworldly scenes, and abstract, psychedelic and surreal paintings in both acrylic and oil. I took a couple of art classes at my college, Drew University, but I am mainly self-taught. I majored in English literature and philosophy and graduated in 1995.
I had pretty much abandoned painting after college, figuring that I would never be able to paint serious, academic subjects...or realistic portraits or landscapes...and that no one could possibly want my silly fantasy paintings. The Internet proved me wrong! I discovered that plenty of people share my aesthetic and enjoy colorful, imaginative fantasy art and Halloween imagery. Now I paint at least several hours every day. I spend the rest of my free time reading 19th century/early 20th century fiction, decadent era literature, early supernatural horror and fantasy, and various other weird fiction.
STUFF I LIKE
If you're looking to purchase a painting but, like me, you are strapped for cash there are a few things I might occasionally be willing to trade for...
* Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab oils. Ask for my wish list! This is where all my money goes anyway! :) I cannot say enough good things about their amazing oil blends.
* Antique postcards/photos -- Halloween, fantasy/fairy, unusual Art Nouveau or Victorian images, vegetable/fruit people trade cards. Also, real-photo postcards, photographs and cabinet cards -- French nudes, unusual subjects like circus sideshows, costumes, hand-tinted ... pre-1920.
* Books. My main interests are 1800s and early 1900s, particularly in the areas of: Decadent literature, supernatural horror/occult novels, early fantasy and pre-1930's science fiction, hollow earth, lost race and utopian novels...in English or French. No specific want list, but to see a GREAT site for this type of thing, check out www.violetbooks.com!
* Clothing. If you make clothing or collect vintage stuff, I love everything from psychedelic hippie gowns to corsets and gothic lolita styles. Sewing is my other main hobby but I would gladly trade art for a handmade or unusual garment or two.
