Gene has been a resident of Henry County in Tennessee since 1948.

     He became interested in drawing and painting at the age of 10.  This consisted mostly of drawing action figures as seen in comic books.  His painting interest started with poster paints and a little experimenting with oils at age fourteen.

     This early interest for arts faded for about 60 years as other priorities arose.  Sketching, however, seemed to hang on through the years - cartoons, landscapes and pictures the grandchildren would request.

     Gene received his first real training in art in 2004.  A great Father's Day gift inspired him to take instruction at the Lee School Academy for the Arts under the direction of Gene Snowden where he has focused on painting with oils and developing new techniques and composition.