Dans first memories of anything formative include the Bronx Zoo and painting watercolors, in the wee hours, by the light of an open refrigerator, in a sweltering 5 story walk-up apartment in the Bronx, his parents sleeping in the next room.
Dan has developed a solid interest in being an amateur naturalist with an interest of all creatures. He has own art studio now, (air-conditioned), but still, a love of warm weather, of painting and all things that fly, swim, and walk about.
Attending a commercial art school straight out of High School, Dan soon found the need to gain greater proficiency in painting and drawing and went on to University and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, (BFA). This became an important personal achievement and a format for skills and the artistic growth needed for his own self-expression.
Dan wanted to be outside looking and interacting with nature, and not merely incorporating images of nature into art work. He also needed to be alone in his studio working, so spent 5 years as a Plein-Aire painter
These two interests made for a conflicted profession life at first, and it took quite a while to find the niche.
After some years working as a manufacturing manager, (a blessing later). Dans skill-set finally landed a position as scenic painter for major Rock & Roll set building company.
All this education and experience came together in 1997. Dan joined the staff of the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade as a Builder/Artist, Sculptor, Painter/Designer and later, as the designer and muralist for Santaland in Macys Herald Square store in New York City.
He is fortunate that now, to be able to paint and draw, and walk in the woods, or sit in the garden, same as it all began.