Biography
I am a former Disney artist and have had a freelance illustration business, Newstart Art, for the last 42 years.
I have been called a chameleon because I do so many kinds of art including caricaturing, portraits, cartooning, paper sculpture, clay sculpture, children's books, paintings, whiteboarding, graphic facilitation at meetings and conventions... just about anything you can think of.
I started out in an interesting family. Born in Tripoli, Libya to an Air Force B-52 navigator and a mom who was a spy for the OSI, I moved around the world but settled in Florida in the late 60's.
I was fortunate to get a job with Rubio Artists doing caricatures at Disney World while in college and later worked for WED Show Production on many of the sets for the opening of EPCOT. Painting dinosaurs and putting fur on monkeys was a great introduction to what I would do later when I began my 3-D career doing paper sculpture. I was blessed to use this technique on Disney's 20th Anniversary limited edition lithograph, Sea World and Busch Entertainment's Christmas cards and a host of International projects including a personal piece of art for the president of Japan Airlines. I was privileged to paint the artwork for the limited edition litho opening Universal Studio's island of Adventure.
I enjoy outdoor sports like tennis, pickle ball, swimming, cycling, white water rafting and scuba diving. Indoor hobbies include watching movies, playing the guitar, singing, and enjoying my extensive collection of comic books and 60's record albums.
As far as accomplishments I feel very honored to be an Eagle Scout, have been the Citizen of the Year for Orange County, have over 20 awards from the 3- Dimensional Illustrators of New York, and a number of Addy Awards from the advertising field.
I am also honored to have the opportunity to draw caricatures for many children with cancer at the Arnold Palmer Hospital and for Runway to Hope while also volunteering at the Orlando Union rescue Mission where I have been drawing for the last 4 years at their events including Christmas. I find it is very beneficial to my heart and character to share the talent that God has freely given me and to bless those who really need encouragement and a good laugh.
My main goal in life is to use the abilities that I have been blessed with to serve others and through drawing and speaking, to add value to the lives of so many who really need an encouraging smile and word to remind them of how important and valuable they are.
I am very thankful to be a new part of this wonderful group of amazingly talented people from all over the world.