Born and raised in New Jersey. Ted grew up surrounded by Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Meyersville. After graduating high school, he attended duCret School of Art in Plainfield. NJ and has studied under such notable artists as Furman Finck, S. Allyn Schaefer. Ferdinand Petrie and John Howard Sanden.

A move west to Utah, then Texas have enriched his love of the outdoors and provided inspiration for his painting. Further involvement in his sons' activities in Boy Scouts and Venturing have expanded his interests -- and subject matter -- to include living history, camping, and American Indian traditions.