I describe myself as an Art Novelist© because, when I paint, I feel like I am doing more than creating an image. I am imagining the deeper story behind the person — their emotion, memory, character, and humanity. Every portrait feels like it could hold the weight of a thousand-page novel. I have spent many years using creativity through art direction, design, branding, copywriting, and visual communication. That work taught me how to tell stories for brands, products, and audiences. But fine art, especially oil portraiture, allows me to tell stories in a more personal and intimate way. I started drawing and painting as a child, so this is not really a new direction as much as it is a return to something that has always been part of me. My goal is not only to capture a likeness, but to honor the spirit of the subject. I want my paintings to feel honest, human, and timeless — like a visual story that continues beyond the canvas.