Painting  and art have been an essential part of my entire life.  I remember standing at my father's easel and watching him paint as one of my earliest memories.
    I began teaching art thinking of myself as an artist who teaches.  Fortunately I learned enough from my students to understand that teaching art is an art form by itself.  I love sharing art with my students every day and I find it enriches my own identity as a painter.  I just need more hours in the day!
    I love to mutter at the challenge of plein air painting out in the field-- especially in the fresh air of Colorado and the surrounding areas.  In my studio work I channel my life-long connection with horses into painting their form and gesture.
   Currently I paint, teach, and live in Loveland, Colorado with fellow artist, Ed Darchuck and our surprisingly unartistic yellow lab, Hanah. 
                  
Ed Darchuk    www.eddarchuck.com
Rudl Mergelman    www.westernandwildlifeart.net/