For many years I was an all purpose freelancer. doing graphics, logos, and illustration; creating brochures and designing and lettering signs. I was happy to be a traveling artist, always carrying a portfolio. I was hired to do anything visual, including redesigning interiors, or painting murals. I saw myself as a sort of general practitioner of art, making house calls. There was little competition out in the East Coast countryside. But there was abundance of roadside bars, where I enjoyed food and conversation with local people, which often lead to work for small businesses in the community.To counter the attraction of afternoon beers and burgers, I developed the habit of going to the water's edge and drawing local seascapes, then making photocopies on which I could paint and sell at small galleries and to individuals, thus developing more fully as an artist, and adding another tool for survival.

An untapped market, as it were. I began to enjoy the image of myself as an artist. not just a commercial artist. The difference being, essentially, that as an artist you express yourself; as a commercial artist your task is to express the client. Why else would they hire you? Altogether it was a great lifestyle. social, productive, need fulfilling and relaxed, while building a body of work, both fine and commercial of considerable variety. I was not making a bunch of money, but I was living the life. I had learned that low overhead is an essential part of freelancing.

As an itinerant freelancer, I mastered that art so as to continue. I placed more value on my own time than on money, which really worked for me. In 2004, an opportunity arose. Hawaii called, and I answered "yes". I would be an artist in Paradise! I now illustrate scenery from a different shore. But as always, my mission has remained constant: to facilitate self expression, both for myself and others.To that end, I share my passion for artistic creativity with anyone who will listen. I love to teach, and to find non-threatening ways to help people break barriers and tap into their own creativity.

Finding myself now blessed with the endless stunning scenery of East Hawaii, and to share my love of drawing and painting, I've gathered the images presented in this book and talked story a bit about my process. The images are a broad mix of the work, styles, and techniques I have enjoyed over the years, and still do. I encourage everyone to copy, color, experiment, and create!.