Art making is the Art of Seeing. Observing the world, creating images, wakes up a sense of wonder for artists. It's a new gift every day, in which inspiration grows in direct proportion to the amount of work one puts in. In some ways, it's like being seven all over again.

I am self-taught except for what I learned looking over the shoulder of others, and by copying bits of old masters' works, often standing in front of pieces in galleries. I've sketched from Rembrandt, Michaelangelo, Raphael, Titian and others, so these are in fact, my teachers.

As are children. Watching my own daughter evolve from an inspired toddler to a mature artist has wholly enhanced my own art journey.

Teaching painting is another source of inspiration. Students young and old ask questions that spark discovery for us both.

Mainly, I really like making pictures. Experience has shown that Art is one sure thing in that the returns are always greater than the investment.