Photorealistic paintings that hold meaning and memory

About Dan

My love of art was nurtured from a young age, starting with art competitions in elementary school, and then later during high school in my hometown of Crystal Lake, IL. There, my talented instructors inspired me to follow my passion for art at Illinois State University, where I obtained my B.S. in Fine Arts. The most creative time in my life was my college years. Everything — from life drawings, painting, and lithography, to sculpture and ceramics — captured my attention and expanded my interest. College gave me a chance to test many different mediums, but as time passed, I always found myself returning to canvas.

I began my professional art journey in 1982, and for nearly 40 years, I’ve been fortunate to work with clients on a wide range of creative projects. Over time, my focus has shifted more fully to fine art — especially photorealistic paintings that capture meaningful places and lasting memories. Whether painting custom commissions, large-scale murals, or landscapes inspired by the natural world, I approach each piece with precision, care, and a deep respect for the beauty around us. Today, I continue my work as a full-time artist, dedicated to preserving real moments through realistic, handcrafted art.

My wife, Maureen, and I reside in Baileys Harbor, WI. We have spent the last 35 years visiting and vacationing in Door County and finally decided to call it our home in 2021. Relocating here has been a dream for us for many years, and we love the community we have here. We’re looking forward to meeting more of our neighbors and enjoying the beauty of Door County.

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Artist Statement

The natural landscape has long shaped my artistic vision — first in the quiet farmlands of McHenry County, Illinois, and now in the windswept beauty of Door County, Wisconsin. In recent years, my work has centered on the shorelines of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, where I’m continually drawn to the play of light on water and the rugged, elemental forms of the land. These scenes offer both challenge and reward — especially in capturing the subtle transparency of water and the depth of the natural world.

I paint in the style of photorealism, using acrylic on large-scale canvases to convey the richness and scale of each environment. This medium allows me to faithfully render fine detail while inviting viewers into the immersive calm of the scene. My work is shaped by the influence of Harold Gregor, an internationally respected artist, professor, and my mentor at Illinois State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts.

Each painting reflects not only a place, but a lived experience — a moment of stillness, light, and memory made lasting through craft.