Although I grew up in southern Texas, I graduated from Lawrence High School, before attending Pratt Institute for my BFA in Illustration and Printmaking on a full scholarship. I completed a Masters program at Pratt Institute in 1993 and later received my Masters in Education from Emporia State University. My teaching experience includes teaching at Pratt Institute, LaGuardia High School for the Visual and Performing Arts in New York City, and Lawrence High School where I also serve on the Fine Arts Steering Team. In addition, I am the founder of The Art Effect's Art Institute in New York where I taught advanced courses in Portfolio Development, Painting, Drawing, Figure Drawing, Mixed Media and Digital Painting. During my tenure at The Art Institute I placed 100% of my graduating class in college on merit-based scholarships from a variety of schools including Yale, Maryland Institute College of Arts, Carnegie Mellon University, Columbus College of Art & Design, and CalArts. 

For over 28 years I operated a graphic design and creative services firm in New York with clients from Disney, American Express, the National Park Service, Revlon, Clinique, Olana, Millbrook Vineyards and many more. As a fine artist & illustrator, I have illustrated annual reports, magazine articles, books and other publications; had group and solo exhibitions; and created murals in a number of states and two countries. 

For the last 16 years I have traveled with students to numerous countries where we have worked with local artists, students, art schools, and museums. Through these experiences students have been able to gain valuable, life-changing experiences and build long lasting relationships with artists around the world.

In 2019, I retired from my position at The Art Effect and moved my family to Baldwin City, Kansas. I have 3 daughters and 1 son. My wife too is an artist who also graduated from Lawrence High School and attended the esteemed Cooper Union. Together, we raise goats, chickens, ducks, guinea hens and bees.