Born and raised in one of the art capitals of the world, New York City, Walt was exposed to the arts at a very young age.  But like so many others, he did not pursue art as an avocation until much later in life.

Although primarily a self-taught artist, he has taken workshops with many well known artists such as Kevin McPherson, Ralph Oberg, Matt Smith, Betty Billups and William Scott Jennings just to mention a few. Growing up  back East with a clearly defined four seasons, it's no wonder why he fell in love with the style of the Hudson River School of Painters.  As a child he vacationed in Connecticut during the summer and later on in life he owned a ranch north of the Adirondack Mountains where much of his time was spent outdoors hunting and fishing or training bird-dogs.

During his military career in the US Marine Corp., Walt was unfortunate to be captured and spend time in a Viet Cong prison camp.  He holds the rare distinction being one of only twenty-six military personnel during the Viet Nam War to successfully escape.  “When you spend time so close to death, you later learn to appreciate all the little things life has to offer. When I'm outdoors painting, I savor the feel, the scent and the sight of all that surrounds me. I'm close to the Supreme Being.”

Walt's paintings are in ownership across the United States and he has shown in a number of juried shows in the South West and has won numerous awards. Currently his work can be seen in the Jerome Gallery, Jerome, AZ,  and Mountain Vista Fine Art Studio, Yarnell, AZ.  (928)427-4565