I studied painting in the studio of William Schultz, who in turn, studied with Robert Brackman. From Brackman we can trace a direct line, from student to teacher to Claude Monet. It was within the studio system of teaching, then, that I was taught both the practice and philosophy of French Impressionism.

I received my PhD in political science from the University of Massachusetts in 1982. I taught at several colleges and universities and wrote two books on American politics. I have also written extensively on painting.