Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born in Newport Beach, California, and although I've moved around, I consider Seal Beach my hometown. It has a great small town atmosphere even though it is right next to Long Beach and not far from LA.

What was the first thing you remember painting?

I remember doing a painting for a book report in Middle School. I had been drawing forever, but that was the first time I remember doing a full on painting on a canvas. It was a Sci-Fi book and I painted a bunch of floating heads in space; I was trying to make it like the Star Wars movie posters.

What painting were you creating when you realized this was your passion?

When I was at the Orange County High School of the Arts, I did a large painting of a conch shell. Everything clicked and at the time it was probably the best painting I had done. It was then that I realized how much I loved painting, oil painting in particular which has been my medium ever since.

What brings you the most inspiration?

The human form has always been my favorite subject. From faces to hands, to the gesture of a pose, people are endlessly unique and exciting for me to paint.

What three things do you need when you sit down to paint?

Well, I stand when I paint, but I would have to say a cup of coffee, iTunes and a good brush.

Where is your favorite place to travel?

Anywhere in Europe would be great, but New York City is my favorite place. I lived there for a few years after college and it will always be a place that I love. That entire city is inspirational for me.

What would you be doing if you were not an artist?

When I was young, I thought I was going to be an architect. I love old buildings and I wasn't half bad at math, it could have happened, but I'm glad it didn't.