I painted before I could remember. My grandfather, a Dutch painter, settled in the Green Bay area of Wisconsin. As a child, I spent many hours with both he and my Irish grandmother. One of my earliest memories is the scolding she gave me for painting pictures over the entire back steps. Grandpa was proud of my work.

As a young man, I pursued a career in the art and design field, studying at the University of Illinois—Chicago where I received a B.A. in Industrial Design. Following years of success within this field as both a businessperson and consultant, I decided to share my knowledge and turned to teaching art and design at the University of Wisconsin—Stout. One of my primary assignments there involved teaching drawing and presentation for interior and industrial design students.

My professional work was highlighted by major exhibits in Montreal Canada, Milan Italy and London England, with reviews in 150 Art and Design publications world wide including, “The New York Times”, “The Wall Street Journal”, “ Interior Design Magazine,” and “ ID:The Magazine of International Design.”

My childhood fascination with painting had been shelved, but not forgotten. During this past year I returned to those memories. Coupled with my love for sailing, I began painting seriously. When you become lost in your work, the brush takes over and the colors flow. I have been experimenting with all the wonderful ways to use watercolor—dry, wet on wet… My studio walls are covered with sketches yet to be painted as well as completed work. Endless hours pass quickly.

EXHIBITS

2006—Furlong Gallery Faculty Show, Menomonie WI

Meet Jack at The Green Lake WI - Local Arts Gallery.