Though I wanted to be an artist from an early age, I was advised against this route and found a great outlet for my interest in art in my work as a designer using fine art images whenever possible. My current art career began after a physical crisis in 1999. Illness is sometimes a powerful vehicle, a bridge to recover a hidden potential and for me it was my desire to paint which was always relegated to the status of "just a dream." This new, God given, chance for life and health has allowed me to act on my dream.

I have studied art since then with many teachers on both coasts and at CSU and have been greatly influenced by my friend and artist Dave Roholt who first put an oil brush in my hand in the summer of 2004. Other teachers that have influenced me are Mark Silvers, Scott Christensen, Patrice Sullivan, George Coll. I have also learned much from a lifetime studying the masters and am influenced by classical artists, the impressionists and contemporary artists.

My work is taken from nature and my surroundings. Landscapes, sunsets and everyday life are what fuel my creative engine. As a direct painter, I am a colorist, and would call my style contemporary impressionism.

My blog address is: Sternback-haro.blogspot.com or you may contact me by email at: sm.artist@hotmail.com.