The Cellist — 16x20, oil on linen

This painting was recently accepted into the Oil Painter’s of America 2010 Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition. It will be available through Walls Fine Art Gallery in Wilmington, NC, from October 15 through November 13, 2010.

Whenever I have the opportunity to participate in group shows or competitions, It is always an interesting and exciting privilege to share gallery space with other amazing artists. This year is no exception. The painting above will be adorning the walls alongside works from artists I've long admired, like Kathy Anderson, Michael Dudash, Glenn Harrington, and William Schneider to name a few. There are few things more challenging and inspiring to me than to see friends of mine doing well with their art and to put it simply ... to see them paint, and paint, and paint, and paint some more! There are some in this year's show I am grateful to call friends — John Ball, Kevin Beilfuss, Kevin Menck, Angela Sekerak. One also who will be participating in the show I am humbled to call my friend, teacher, and (whether he knows it or not) a mentor — Brian Jekel.

Brian Jekel is the reason I began painting. Seeing his work as a young freshman in college, then having him as an instructor throughout many of my formative classes has planted in me a desire to be like him in many ways — a follower of Christ, a family man, and an incredible painter. I entered college hating to paint, and left wanting to do it in one way or another for the rest of my life. And at times what inspired me the most is how gracefully, humbly, and quietly he has balanced so much while still finding the time and energy to teach so many students to become painters. He is truly an amazing man. Thank you Mr. Jekel.