On Getting Older

Occasionally I get asked if I am still painting. When I think about it, a few of my friends in my age bracket have given up the brush. I know many others that still enjoy the occupation. I have no trouble about answering “Oh yes!”.

“Enchanted” 11x14 acrylic painted along the Old Almonte Road in December 2024

I’ve been painting for 45 years. I’ve taken instruction, organized and entered art exhibitions, instructed students and won awards and my work is currently showing in three galleries and a professional website. Most of my work is the result of plein air sketches done on site – just got back from a four-day painting trip with friend to Algonquin Park in April.

And I am still eager to learn new art techniques from other professional artists at art retreats and solo demonstration on TV programming. You see, I believe that challenging myself to do better work is my goal. And I will not put a signature on any painting that fails to meet my standards. I am happy to be working on a painting outside (plein air), in my studio and giving assistance to other artists seeking improvement.

I’m going on 89 years old and still love painting. Since the time I began numbering each painting I have signed more than an eleven hundred. Haven’t done my best one yet!