Early on I used to reuse canvases, in the beginning, the surfaces of my original paintings weren't as textural as they are now.   I began then to become intrigued by seeing one image on top of another.   The textures started accidentally at first very shortly, they became on purpose.   Now I create the textures as an image first, then a second image is painted in color, the two together create the painting now.

Again, my answer is forever.   I know that sounds odd to most people, my grandfather was a professional artist, and I began studying with him.   When I was with him, I'd spend time in his studio painting, while he was working on a painting...then when we finished for the day, we'd study each other's work and critic them.  I have very fond memories of that...my first art instructor, and mentor.

People always ask that question...my answer has always been as long as I can remember.  Yes as a kid I played outside, and when my friends were taking their naps, I was painting.  It became clear very early on that I loved art.  It always seemed to be part of my life in some aspect or other.