Westward (detail)
4.5 by 13.5 in.
300# Cold Press Paper
Signed and dated January 2009

I am a re-emerging artist. I started painting in the late seventies but took a 30 year hiatus to fulfill my dreams to be a husband and dad. I did not become a professional artist 30 years ago because I did not want to burden my future family with a starving artist's standard of living so I became an engineer. Now that my son's have grown I've restarted painting. I've been painting seriously since the summer of 2008. Watercolor is my favorite medium because seascapes, surfers, and boats are my favorite subjects. I like using water to paint water. I am trying to think of a way to glorify Jesus through my talent. What I'm thinking about is painting churches and cathedrals. I plan on painting the churches that have been a part of my Christian life. I've already painted Atonement Lutheran Church and the spiritual retreat house where I go annually; St Paul and Faith Lutheran would be next. I would then move on the other churches and cathedrals I've visited. Some recent paintings that represent my current abilities can be found in my onlinegallery.

credentials

As a young boy I was a model builder. My father was a pilot so the first models I built were planes. As I grew older I began to build model boats. While in college I worked a short time for a professional model builder; this was one of my favorite jobs. I have always enjoyed the visual arts. One day my father brought home a watercolor paint set and I began painting. I don't recall what my first subjects were. Eventually I began painting surfers based on photos in surfing magazines. Another one of my jobs during college was working on a Mississippi River tow boat. It was at this time I began painting boats, mostly working boats. While in college I attended several art classes; I've also participated in numerous workshops.

Thus as a model builder and long time painter with a passion for watercolor painting, I am an artist.

influences

Winslow Homer, especially his Bermuda watercolors have had the greatest influence on my desire to be an artist.

my signature

I sign my paintings with a stylized design using my initials OKT. I include the month and year the painting was completed as part of my signature.

commissions

I work from photopraphs, so I would love to render your boat (or other photo) in watercolor. Contact me via email at odie@oktwatercolor.com for details.

Wading Egret
10 X 12 inches
140# cold pressed paper
Signed and dated January 2010

 Bloodhound
7.5 X 9.5 inches
140# cold pressed paper
Signed and dated December 2008