Doug tells us more...

"I've been drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. Family members, also artistic, encouraged my development as an artist. My older brother taught me the basics of drafting and mechanical drawing; my older sister taught me facial proportions and creative drawing.

"High School in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, offered few art classes, but I took whatever was available. While in college at Southeast Missouri State University, I attended art classes with Wyn Bruhl and Bill Chamberlain and learned much about value and composition.

"I also attended several classes with color theorist Lane Fabrick and was enlightened by his use of color mixing and color theory.

"After a few semesters at the Art Institute of Dallas, I realized that commercial art wasn't for me. So I quit and spent a few years as a bass player in various bands (the Porters, the Fabulous Martinis, the Alter Boys). I then took some time off to work in the restaurant industry which eventually transferred me to Cleveland, Ohio.

"Now I'm focused on my artwork full time. My influences come from the masters and include Rembrandt for his portraits in black with only the hands and face coming out of the dark, Monet for his use of color, Picasso for his creativity, Jackson Pollock for his expressiveness, Vincent Van Gogh for his brushwork and colors and Egon Schiele for his drawing style."