About

When I was a teen, I used to draw adolescent themes—like boys doing something violent to each other, or war scenes, and occasionally a landscape. They were not very good. But my mother wanted to try to curb my adolescent rage, so she bought me an easel, paint kit, and some oil paints. Mothers are like that.

I painted a couple of pictures in high school, but when I graduated, I put my paints aside. Throughout my life, I would take up art again about every 15 to 20 years when I got bored with what I was doing. But three years into my retirement, I cranked up art again. I took some lessons from Rollina Olgesbay (charcoal portraits) and John Lonergan (classical oil painting). I rediscovered the wonder. They were inspirations. I love them and their work.

I studied at six academic institutions (America and Scotland), hold two master’s degrees, two doctorates, and was the first in my immediate family to graduate from college. None of my formal studies had anything to do with art. I’ve been a Licensed Professional Counselor, a professor, a published writer, and a pastor.

I had the privilege of founding several organizations like a child advocacy center, professional counseling centers (Covenant Counseling & Education Center; and another, The Springs Counseling Center “Rodnik”, Odessa, Ukraine),** and started Pathway Ministries, Inc,*** where he still serves.

I am married to Emily. We have three precious pearls, Elizabeth, Mary-Margaret and Alice. Additionally, we have five grandchildren I love to draw, sketch, paint and simply watch.

My art-purpose is to reflect the glory of God whether it is painting a landscape or sketching a portrait. God is there and He is not silent (Francis Schaeffer). A painting is a portal (Henri, The Art Spirit): the observer discovers something through a painting beyond which no mere words can express, except, wonder.