About TONY

As a 7-year-old living in Virginia, I received a handsomely bound copy of "Audubon's Birds of America" in which over 100 colorful plates of birds were exquisitely presented. It was then I first became motivated to pick up a pencil and actively begin sketching. Sometime later, a family friend and professional portraitist spent time with me sharing her palette of oil paints, brushes and her talents.

At 10 and living with my family in Shanghai, I was introduced to Chinese ink painting. My parents' unique birthday gift provided me a new art form, one demanding a high degree of discipline and calling for endless patience. After a few months of struggling, my enthusiasm evaporated due, in part, to the discipline's lack of free expression.

By 1951, attending 8th grade in Europe, for the first time I would learn the techniques of drawing and painting. The master with whom I studied was a magnificent Flemish teacher. He was full of life and shared with me his love of color. The painting I submitted for his final exam is still in my possession.

I consider myself fortunate having lived in many countries throughout much of my childhood. A wonderful benefit included visiting grand museums in far away places. Today, most forms and types of art provide me great pleasure.

Unfortunately, a strict engineering curriculum during my college years precluded all formal art education. It wasn't until my retirement in 2009, living on Lake Winnipesaukee, when Bea and I decided to study watercolor painting together.

In just a few short years we've had the great pleasure of painting side-by-side under the guiding hands of Estelle Smith, Patty Dean and Stephanie Reininger, all from NH, Ann Lindsey of NY, Lian Zhen of NV and Nancy Dean of VT.

While drawing or painting I seek to portray familiar situations, special messages, and scenes of fond memories. More recently, my paintings have included a number of well-recognized icons.