A little about myself

At 38 I began to paint. Or shall I say that I began to see color and light. Oh, I have always drawn and painted but only as a part time hobby. While on vacation four years ago, I sat in on a painting demonstration by Master Impressionist painter, Lois Griffel. That morning changed my life.

I am a registered Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential technologist with a Bachelor of Science degree. I have been in the field for nineteen years and the last nine I have worked for the University of Michigan Health Systems. Although I find the science and medicine of EEG fascinating, I have come to realize that my passion is in painting. 

The truth in the color theory taught by Ms. Griffel was such a gift. I could always see the color before me, but I could not describe the light. To have this key of understanding has unlocked one of the small secrets of the universe for me. Finally, I can paint what it is I see. That is not to say I do not struggle.

I am at the beginning of my painting career. This is the second summer my work is on display and for sale at Tvedten Fine Art Gallery in Harbor Springs, Michigan. I am thrilled to be there. This is also my fourth summer taking courses at the Cape Cod School of Art, where Ms. Griffel is the current director. I have learned enough to know that I will always remain a student of nature.

Watching light and color change from minute to minute fascinates me. As a child I enjoyed the morning and evening light: this was and still is "magic" time. This sunlight on ordinary things like grass and trees would stop me long enough to notice them. They would almost resonate and vibrate as that special light plays on them. This is what makes me paint!

I can trace my artistic heritage through my mother and back to her father. The wonderful thing about artwork is that if it is taken care of it will be around to enjoy long after we are gone. It is this way for my family with my grandfather's work. The artwork he did in the early 1930's is cherished by all of us. His pen and ink drawings are some of my most prized possessions. I would like to think that I, too, have that talent. Below are details from a few of his pen & ink drawings. Please take a moment and view the pages I have set up in his honor by clicking on the thumbnail to see the full image in a larger version.

Daniel Trimbath