My interest in art started as a child while attending school. I filled all available time with art classes. Entering adolescence, other thoughts and new responsibilities pushed art aside. Twenty years later, boredom as I recovered from an illness, the desire to be creative returned again. I began to paint using watercolor. Encouragement from family and friends motivated me to participate in several art shows and my work was displayed in multiple shops and galleries. After the purchase of a motorcycle, once again, the creative desire faded; 20 years passed once more and on a motorcycle trip west, I broke my ankle in an accident. During my recovery, I wrote and published a book, Blessings Afforded a Common Man; a look at my life and recognition of all the blessings I have received. Because of the book, once again the passion to paint has returned. My subjects are mostly Barns, houses and landscapes in the Oley area. I enjoy painting images of local family farms, which have created a rich history in Berks County. The feelings of stone walls, fence posts and weathered barn wood invoke emotions that most everyone can appreciate and enjoy.