A Bit About Myself as a Visual Artist

I'm a self-taught artist. I have a BA in English from Southern CT State University.  I rely upon books, the study of masterworks, and from-life observations to provide me with lessons on artistic technique -- I paint outdoors constantly and study the nude figure from life through weekly drawing groups. I've also found inspirational fuel in the works of Robert Tracy, David Leffel, Robert Vickrey, and N.C. Wyeth. For a proper philosophical framework I rely upon the aesthetics of Objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand.

I have always been enthralled by the act of creation. There's something so incredibly thrilling about taking something that previously existed only in my mind and making it a plain-to-see reality. My work is a direct expression of my view of the world, and I do hope you enjoy these works as much as I enjoyed bringing them to life.

I've committed myself to working across a number of mediums -- I like to think I've found six or seven different ways to say the same thing. I've certainly specialized, but I've specialized in the expression and understanding of subject, not the medium. My work regularly includes watercolor, soft pastels, charcoal, oil paint, acrylics, egg tempera, ink, the airbrush, graphite, and even digital artwork painted using a stylus on a tablet.

Take a look at the works in my gallery, and if you have any questions,  please ask! You can write me at leversandpulleys@yahoo.com.

I currently live in Connecticut where I was born 29 years ago. Beyond visual art and writing, I enjoy philosophy, good fiction, music, and spending time with close friends and my lovely girlfriend, Sonia.

Thanks for visiting,

Craig Houghton