The Painted Road

Life has its way of bringing us to forks in the road of options, or to unmarked intersections of opportunities and my life has been filled with many of both. I have been associated with the arts through my photography for over 25 years and made the transition to painting a little over two years ago. When I’m asked what made me change directions, what lead me to pursue the path of painting, or where did I get my inspiration to change from, I always start with two main sources of influence, artists Norma Meeks and Ford Smith.

I accredit Norma with opening my eyes to the world of abstract painting. I first saw her exhibited work in 2006 and it was through her use of earthy colors and rich tones, in combination with the applications of mixed media and texture that got my attention. Her work spoke to me in a way that I could be comfortable with and enjoy, without the need to necessarily understand or be able to explain. I just enjoyed it for what it was. I’ve always said, she was the bridge that transported me from being a firm realist to opening my eyes to the possibilities of abstraction.

In 2007 I was introduced to the art of Ford Smith through his gallery ads in the trade magazines that I was following. I found his contemporary styling of landscapes and the use of bright, rich color the perfect connection from my photographic background to the art world that I was becoming attracted to. I was to later learn that Ford had had an accomplished and respected photography career before pursuing his painting, which later served as encouragement for me to one day pick up a brush myself. It was about this time that I actually started having dreams of painting, which were always of abstracted images and always very colorful.

Now it’s 2013 and I’m managing the gallery for Old Town Art & Framery in which I represent the fabulous works of both, Norma Meeks and Ford Smith as well as fifteen other wonderfully talented artists. It’s no surprise to me that I’m now painting, in the abstract with the use of texture and am showing a transition from mostly using monochromatic earth tones to the introduction of brighter colors, as in my recent piece "Guidance" pictured above.

I feel honored to know and be surrounded by so many talented artists who serve as a constant source of inspiration and encouragement, as I continue to enjoy my journey on the painted road.

Thank for stopping by and following my travels..............Jim