Upon retiring four years ago after a long career with the U.S. Department of Labor, I since have been dedicating my time to creative pursuits. In addition to my recently self-publishing a book of poetry, I also have had the pleasure of cultivating my visual artistic skills, chiefly through the capable artistic instruction I have received from Shauna Shane, the master artist who makes her studio in Storrs, CT. As I have an educational background in English literature, working in the visual arts has been a relatively new adventure for me. Thus far my preferred medium has been oil painting, although I also have worked somewhat with watercolors. My favored subjects largely have included landscapes of nature. I continue to learn something new with each painting I complete, no matter what the result. It has been a wonderful journey. I wish to share this journey with others who share my passion for the arts