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SOUL IN THEIR OWN WORDS
s a boy I loved art and enjoyed drawing .
I still have some of those drawings which someone graciously saved . I was drawn to old buildings and barns , and that ’ s still true today . I had a feel for perspective to infinity . In my early 30s I painted in oils and acrylics . I tried watercolor but found that medium too difficult and gave up . Since I needed to make a living , I didn ’ t paint for many years . After retiring from the business world , I became a full-time farmer and there was no time for art .
When I left farming behind , I then had time to explore art . I decided to try watercolor at the age of 83 . After reading many watercolor magazines , I gritted my teeth and started in . I discovered it was fun . I loved glazes upon glazes and lots of color . I painted lots of old barns , old trucks , and random old buildings . I expanded to portraits , landscapes , still life , and airplanes .
My first art show was at the Jacklin Art Center in Post Falls , Idaho . I felt nervous and thought no one would like my work . To my surprise , I sold 12 paintings on the opening night . I ’ ve had a few other showings and feel I have grown in my technique . I still feel nervous at new shows and am not good at small talk or promoting myself . To actually sell a painting is thrilling , but I get the most joy out of working in my basement studio , experimenting and painting what I feel like . I find commissioned paintings the most difficult , especially if don ’ t like the subject . I ’ ve done a few of those but it ’ s not my preference .
Painting on , Clinton Barnes 82 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE