Bio

My Very Edited Life... 

All I ever wanted to do was draw…that’s it.

At a very early age I discovered comic books, particularly Superman.  I was mesmerized by comic artists like Curt Swan, Carmine Infantino, Marie Severin, Gene Colan, Jack Kirby, Neal Adams, John Buscema and Gil Kane to name just a few. They would profoundly affect my life.

I’ve had some extraordinary teachers, who I credit with much of my success. It is because of their influence that I am the artist I am and have such passion for teaching. One thing I’ve found to be true is that a career in art is 25% talent and 75% luck.  I’ve certainly had my share of good fortune. But, a note to students reading this, luck can be influenced, and you can increase your odds by finding a way to get noticed.  I did it by wearing tights and a cape as Captain Cartoon when an event called for a “caricaturist with a twist.”  Not recommended for everyone, as tights tend to bind, and there is nowhere to put change. It did get me noticed, and in 1983, lead me to my long tenure on the comic strip, Garfield. In the late eighties to mid-nineties, I illustrated comic books thanks to Dark Horse, who gave me my break into the industry, and then for Innovation, Marvel, DC and Image.

Through the years, I knew I wanted to do more, and it was to teach.    With the support of Tom Allen and Tom Casmer, I joined the faculty at the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, in 2004.  I instruct Children’s Book Illustration and Illustration I.

In case you’ve read this far and are interested, here are my various favorites: The Adventures of Superman is still my all-time favorite TV show. Currently for animated TV, it would have to be Family Guy followed by The Venture Bros.  For animated film, it’s The Incredibles, hands down.  For comics, anything by Mike Allred, Alex Ross and Adam Hughes will keep me coming back for more.  My favorite graphic novel is Blankets by Craig Thompson.  And, I have to mention the Three Stooges who have always and will always make me laugh.        

I have many projects in the works keeping life exciting and interesting. There is an amazing person in my life as well as two spunky dogs that brighten our days with humor and affection.

Oh, yeah, I no longer wear tights.