It is really interesting painting with a group of artists. Art is a personal statement by the artists who make the artwork, and no where is that more clear than when artists paint together. We’ll be painting at the same location, in some instances painting the same scene or object, and the results across the artists will all be very different interpretations.

I titled my show ‘Personal Views’ because these pictures are my interpretations. Many of these pictures were painted on location, or, in the case of still lifes and florals, in the studio. Others are interpretations of photographed scenes or else were done solely from my imagination.

I paint because I find it fun and challenging. I work in multiple media—watercolor, oil, acrylic, and gouache—depending upon the subject and the visual impact I want.

I grew up in California and lived in Ohio and New York before settling in Maryland outside Washington, DC. Before I began my artistic life, I ran a consulting business as a vice president for a major IT industry firm. I’ve been fortunate to benefit from very talented teachers and artists. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Firouzeh Sadeghi, Ann Wallace, Walt Bartman, and Margaret Kranking.

My work has appeared in numerous group shows, including some that were juried and very competitive. My paintings are in collections in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and in California. This is my first solo show. Further information can be found at my website, www.hirshstudio.com.

I hope you enjoy the show. I find painting a joy, and I hope that is clear in my work.