As a child growing up among the lakes of Wisconsin, he found it was the water and the rocky shores of Lake Superior that enticed his childhood artistry - along with portraits of local friends. It was only after completing study at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology and Design and a stint in this fast-paced industry, that he made his way to Oregon as a ministerial student. A short move to the coast came naturally.

The combination of being near the ocean and in an artists' community renewed the urge to paint. Byron watched the surf daily, trying to capture its force and fluidity. His easel became a permanent fixture in the corner of the living room. His understanding of surf action is the product of this time of observation, and is the mental resource from which he paints.

After a year of intense practice, Byron was given his first one-person showing in a coastal gallery. Many sold-out shows followed. The acceptance of his work by an enthusiastic public has been the most rewarding part of his art journey. In 1981, he and his family opened "Pickering Studio," a gallery of art and antiques. Painting for the gallery and an annual series of workshops has occupied the following years.

Byron Pickering DVD's