About the Artist
A need to create had been with him since childhood. Gene used his desire to create in many ways. He has written, acted and performed musically. Gene has worked in many fields and currently works in Emergency Preparedness for Public Health. Gene started painting early in his fourth decade of life. His first works were for his own pleasure and to add splashes of color to his home.
In October of 2003 Gene received his first formal instruction. A friend, who also became a mentor, persuaded him to take a week-long workshop at Camp McDowell in Nauvoo, Alabama. The teacher for the class was Joan Blackburn. Gene was thrilled that he was able to take this class. Gene learned much about design and use of color and technique. Joan's artwork is featured at Quayside Gallery .
In August of 2004 Gene became a member of the Experimental Artists of Alabama. The EAA juried two of Gene's works into the fall exhibition. Geneç—´ second art workshop (October 2004) was taught by Janet Rogers. The class was on how to paint watercolor florals and watercolor portraits. Janet Rogers is an excellent artist and teacher. Her classes enabled Gene to expand His horizons in art. Gene has also studied with Wayne Spradley, Marie Cummings, Lana Grow and Gloria Ivy. Today Gene still reads and looks for new methods and techniques. Gene experiments with color, tools and surfaces to improve his skills. Every day the sights and colors of the world push his creative buttons. Curiosity and a childlike wonder keep him looking, painting, and creating.
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