I am a professional artist residing in the western suburbs of Chicago.  I studied at The College of DuPage and have had private instruction.  I work mainly in oils, but do dabble with acrylics from time to time.  I get most of my inspiration from nature.  I frequent The Morton Arboretum, Brookfield Zoo, and many of the abundantly beautiful forest preserves Illinois has to offer.  My studio has become "Green" with the introduction of M. Graham Oil paints.  They are made with walnut oil as the binder which means walnut oil is used to thin and clean the paint.  No more petroleum products in my studio at all.  The fumes and potential hazzards associated with paint thinners and mineral spirit type products has now been removed.  I also am very excited about a new archival canvas I am trying out.  It is stretched double primed canvas on a 100% recycled hard backing by Frederix.  It is a very new product I just saw, so I will keep you informed on how it is.