Painting by Charles Ferrara

They were once young

I am a retired NYPD Lieutenant and former captain in the U.S. Army Special Forces. For the past thirty years I have been a United Methodist pastor. Due to my background that can be stressful at times, I find that art keeps me centered and provides calm in my life.

If I have any challenges in my art, and there are many, I would say the fundamentals of drawing would be one. The other would be getting a good handle on color and color mixing.

I want to learn to be a better artist through becoming a better drawer. For what I can see, I think the Drawing Academy is tailor made to help in the areas I am looking to improve in.

When I received the email with the offer to enter this competition to win a free Drawing Academy Course—I took it as a challenge. I have never entered a competition before because I consider myself an amateur hobbiest as opposed to a professional artist; however, I would love to one day be a full time artist.

As to the question why I feel people should vote for me—that is a difficult question. I hope it is because of my work, work ethic and my absolutely love of art.