rowdy texas artist

I was born in Dallas, Texas in 1961. In the mid 60's we moved north of Dallas to the small town of Van Alstyne. It was very much a culture shock.moving from a big city to a small town in a house in the country.We lived outside of town, so there were very few neighbors. So many times we relied on our imagination for entertainment. I believe my first interest in art. was due to my grandmother being a painter and teaching local classes in art. Many times, when I stayed with her during the summer I would sit and watch her paint landscapes. She would encourage me to draw. My father also created custom guns and motorcycles as a side hobby. My mother was also a painter. My sisters inherited some artistic creativity they expressed in several different forms. After graduation from high school, I attended Grayson County College where I received a degree in machine technology in addition to being a professional rodeo cowboy riding all three rough stock events.. After sometime in the industry, I grew bored and joined the Army. I spent six years as a gunsmith for my unit. My time in the Army left me with the designation of disabled veteran.