My Story
I’m a former university professor and chair of philosophy as well as a former healthcare attorney and executive. I’m now retired in Lexington, Kentucky, settling into my so-called golden years after a second try at retiring.
A couple of years ago my wife talked me into joining her for an “art” class offered by the local university extension programs for senior citizens. Never before had I put a brush with paint to canvas or even considered doing such a thing.
However, two revelations followed.
I have to say that my work now in the studio often results in something I never actually intended. Sometimes I think I’m living off of a kind of artistic dumb luck and not any kind of artistic vision. The blessing is that I’ll never take myself seriously as an “artist.” I will happily remain a complete and consummate amateur.
So why try to sell my paintings? I have no choice. I literally have no more space to hang or store any more pieces. Besides, I need to buy more paint!
I quickly discovered that I have only a very limited ability to produce (reproduce!) pieces of “representational art.” Turns out, I can’t draw to save my life! BUT I also discovered that I can do quite well throwing paint on canvases to surprise myself with the shapes and arrays of color that sometimes emerge.
In the course of time, I did discover that Gesso is my best friend and that it’s best never to be afraid to abandon an effort once started and start over.
In fact, one of my favorite pieces is entitled “Third Time’s a Charm.” Underneath the current array of images and colors are two coats of Gesso and two failed efforts. It’s also my wife’s favorite. She has offered to buy it off me – she says she can give me a check for it, but I’m suspicious of the source of the money. I’m not sure it would help me buy any more paint!
