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This butterfly is special to me because my daughter Jessica watched in amazement as it emerged from the chrysalis, then she held the butterfly until it flew away. She named the butterfly Baxtor.

I am an artist! Always have been and always will be! Most artists will tell you that they really don't have a choice in the matter and the same holds true for me. I discovered a natural ability to draw and paint at an early age, and further refined my craft by attending the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, as well as studying privately with many prominent artists throughout the country. Painting outdoors directly from nature is called "plein air" painting and when literally translated it means "open air" in French. For many reasons, it's the method of painting which most appeals to me, but the main reason is the sense of truth which a painting exudes when executed outdoors. The lighting which nature provides doesn't afford an...