Randy has a BFA from the University of Michigan in 1984, with a concentration on painting and drawing. He Graduated cum laude, and also acquired a teaching certificate for grades K-12. His formal education gave way to work in the field of free-lance illustration, but Randy never gave up on the teaching.

Since the mid 1980's, Randy has been studying the technique and art of making illuminated manuscripts in the authentic manner used by artists of the middle ages. Going back to the writings and actual artifacts of these masters, Randy has developed the knowledge to a depth that few other teachers can offer. Combined with years of experience making such works, he brings a unique perspective to the working methods of medieval artists.

Randy has been participating as a guest speaker at conventions each year since the beginning of his career, and in 2002 added some very nice props. He is also known all around the world online as a source for authentic information about medieval manuscript production. He is currently engaged in writing a very comprehensive illustrated book on the making of a medieval book.

Randy has now made a collection of reproduction tools, including a writing slope, waxed tablets (pugilare), handmade brushes, reed and quill pens, bronze styli, and an amazing assortment of medieval pigments and the raw materials they are made from. Many of these objects are seen in the picture on the left. Randy brings them to lectures and demos where he actually makes medieval paints right before the student's eyes.

Randy has also written several articles and created heavily illustrated pamphlets showing him making parchment, making paints, showing the various raw source materials pigments are made from, and listing colors alongside color samples. Selections are used as visual aids in his classes.

Randy's classes are usually run as lecture/demos, but he is also available for running extended workshops when the time can be arranged. The usual lecture demo runs about two hours for an overview of the entire process. More specific sessions can be done in 1 hour. Randy is available to appear at schools, libraries, museums, and art/book festivals. Classes can be custom designed for your specific needs. Classes can also be designed for elementary school ages up through conservation departments.