Biography

I am a native of the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, born in Edinburg, Texas in 1948. My father's family traces their roots to the early 1800's when they emigrated from Spain to Mexico and then to South Texas, whereas my mother's family is of Welsh decent and came to Texas through the eastern states. Both of my parents were educators and were able to provide me with an excellent education.

My interest even as a child dealt with the art and music. I loved to draw and mechanical drafting as well as playing the drums throughout high school and college. As an only child growing up with mixed ethnicity, my life was filled with challenges and problems which I had to overcome. I strongly feel that these early experiences helped me to become independent and resourceful as I searched for my identity.

I first attended college at the University of The Americas in Mexico City during the mid 60's. This is where I came in contact with the extreme diversity of the Mexican culture and the great art works of the Mexican Muralist such as Rivera Orozco, Tamayo and Siqueiros. Their use of strong colors, black outlines, and bold brush strokes would make a lasting impression on my artwork. I received a Bachelor's Degree in 1971 from Pan American University (presently the University of Texas Pan American) in art education and a Masters Degree in education in 1973. In college I took classes in design and painting as well as art education and art appreciation. The emphasis of my art professors leaned more towards aesthetics and awareness than in techniques. Through the years, however, I have taught myself many different approaches to painting and design through personal experiences.

I am a certified art teacher and taught art in a middle school until I went into school administration where I have spent over 30 years as a school personnel administrator. In the early 70's, I married a wonderful woman, Teresa, who shares my love for art and who teaches art at one of our local high schools here in Edinburg. We have three sons, two attorneys and a writer, who constantly amaze us with their accomplishments and their antics.

While working as an administrator, I took a leave from painting for almost 20 years. During that period I built homes, developed subdivisions and even designed and built a miniature golf course. Approximately 12 years ago, a dear friend, Marion Shirah, urged me to start painting again so I picked up a paint brush and touched a canvas…once again, I was hooked. Over 250 canvases later I am still enjoying the excitement and wonder of painting.

I have continued to live in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas and have met with much success with my paintings. I have shown in many galleries, shows, and venues throughout South Texas. Over 40 paintings are available for viewing along with a listing of past showings at my website www.vinartworks.com. I am currently the artist in residence at McAllen's extremely popular House Wine Bistro.

I've been blessed to have a bustling and active life, full of adventure and experiences—both good and bad— I've traveled to many locations in this great United States and abroad, but I just can't get south Texas out of my blood…but then why should I?... it's a great place to live, work and play…PAINT ON!!!