Making Time for a Little Art

 I’m continuing along with my fun little art hobby. I haven’t done much painting lately because I’ve been busy with other projects—particularly with my car out of commission, a few other things needing attention, and the general business of life. But I’m planning to get back into painting next week.

Sometimes you have to be a little selfish with your time. Not “buy a yacht and disappear to an island” selfish—just “I’m going to spend a few hours doing something I actually enjoy” selfish.

For me, that means art.

Art is more than just putting paint on a canvas and hoping it looks like something. It can improve creativity and encourage innovation. It gives us an opportunity to see the world from different places and perspectives. At its most basic level, art is a neurological activity: We take things we are thinking, feeling, observing, and understanding and somehow translate them onto a canvas.

And sometimes, in the process, we discover something new.

Of course, there are people who criticize art. I understand that. From a strictly economic perspective, art can seem rather useless. It doesn't necessarily produce something measurable, increase productivity, or fix the transmission bracket on an old Buick—which, currently, would be extremely useful.

But art is also one of the oldest forms of human expression. People have been drawing, painting, carving, decorating, and telling stories visually since the beginning of human history. There is probably a reason our brains keep coming back to it.

Art gives people an enjoyable way to express themselves, but it also allows us to document and interpret the world in ways that science and technology don't always capture. Sometimes a painting, photograph, sculpture, or simple sketch can communicate an idea or feeling that would take several pages of explanation.

So, I’m going to get back to painting.

If you're interested in my artwork, you can check out my gallery and see if anything catches your eye. Some of my paintings are available through eBay. You can also contact me if you'd like to purchase one directly from the info below.. If you want a frame, that's a different conversation because, apparently, frames cost money too.

Anyway, take a look at the gallery. You might find something you like—and if nothing else, you can say you supported an artist who occasionally has to stop painting because his old car needs another custom part fabricated.

Art Gallery (Painting and Photos)

$70 Purchase Painting Pay Pal

$60 for photos (Rights to Use or Printing)

Art Gallery eBay (Paintings)