JettStream Productions, a Louisville, Kentucky based sport and events marketing company, is the licensee for Churchill Downs' "Art of the Kentucky Derby" series, as well as the Churchill Downs Art Collection.

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Expression is the key to my creative process. Subjects vary, but the sense of expression stays the same. Watercolor was my first medium. The magic of transforming blank white paper into colorful paintings brought me back to the easel day after day. I soon began to add other mediums such as crayon and charcoal to my watercolors. This form of mixed media gave me a sense of personal style.‘It took me thirty years to discover that I wanted to become a full-time artist, and one year to do it. Having loved the outdoors all my life, I decided to start plein air painting. This experience opened other avenues of creativity and techniques. It also brought me back to the subjects that I enjoy the most. Having grown up in rural Virginia and with a background in commercial fishing, I was quickly drawn to the coastal harbors, fishing boats, and the Virginia country side. Plein air painting gives me a more personal connection with the subjects. By being on site, I’m able to capture and omit certain nuances that give the viewer room to use their imagination and allows me the opportunity to include certain features that add character to the scene. Plein air paintings will often lead to larger studio works which are fueled by time invested on site.

One of the toughest things for me to do is to throw away unwanted paintings and brushes. Many of my favorite acrylic paintings on paper are completed with recycled watercolor paper and well worn, or frayed brushes that many artists would likely discard. It seems like painting on inferior works is less inhibiting. The strength of my art is allowing each painting to have a life of its own. Even though I do not have a methodical way of painting, there are always certain techniques and methods I use throughout my works. Therefore, finishing a piece is always a unique journey.

Georgia State University – Collection of Football paintings for their inaugural season
Shenton Estates Vineyard – Wine label for Shiraz
Are We There Yet? – Painting featured on the set of popular sitcom
Over 400 original paintings sold since 2009
Donald L. Blount Yacht Design – Large commission painting for reception area

There are many sources of inspiration that help propel my art. The most important of them all is motivation. When I awake in the morning, I can’t wait to get downstairs, make a cup of joe, check my emails and write my daily blog. Some folks lug there way out of bed, dreading the day, but me, I can’t wait to get started. Each day brings new possibilities, collectors and creations.

There are plenty of other factors too. I could elaborate on subject madder, medium, color and all that fun stuff that comes with the turf, but quite frankly, that’s just the icing on the cake. The main thing is I’m passionate and confident about my work. And therefore, I’m motivated everyday to do it.