I have been working with paint and wood ever since I was a boy. I began carving waterfowl at age 13 — my first piece was a duck head carved from a stick — and soon after moved on to full-size, realistic duck decoys and wood sculptures of various waterbirds and songbirds.
In 2002, I began painting murals in the Early American style of Rufus Porter and later expanded into Italian mural scenes. Alongside my mural work, I developed an interest in portrait painting.
In recent years, my artistic journey has led me to the sacred art of iconography, which has become my primary focus. My goal is to help others grow closer to God through these holy images. As a Roman Catholic of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, I have been painting icons since 2016 and have had the privilege of studying with masters including Colette Kalvesmaki, Daniel Neculae, and Veronica Royal.
Please contact me if you are interested in a hand-painted icon.
Matthew
540-539-3428
