GREETINGS

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As a young man living in rural Virginia, I was an illustrator and cartoonist for a small, local newspaper, it was not a career but more of a hobby and outlet for expression. My career path took me out of my rural roots and sent me to bigger and better paying opportunities, but I always had a love of drawing and art. In 2024 I had a second back operation with a spinal fusion that unfortunately offered little to no relief, I found myself having to slow down, stop being as active as I was accustomed to  and more frequently having to get off my feet and sit for longer periods. I bought some acrylic paints and started painting rocks, placing 100's of them all over Pine Island and even as far away as Key West. It was very satisfying hearing from people that found them and enjoyed the mini pictures I painted on them. I then decided to buy a watercolor set and give paint on paper a try. It is a good match for me and a great distraction from my troubling back issues as well as an outlet for my creativity. My paintings are inspired by nature and the beauty of my home environment on Southwest Florida's Pine Island.