Laugh;
it's easier
God has a
wonderful
sense of humor.
Essex Garner
Why: I love painting my daughter's life experiences, sculpture, watercolor, oils, and just watching canvas materialize. I paint from a realistic perspective. Thematic developments are influenced through music, especially (Jazz and Gospel), children in genre, religious metaphors, and historical pictorials. My formal training in art was completed at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO where I received Bachelor degrees in Fine Art (2005) and Art Education K-12 (2006), then 2008 to graduate school at MU. I retired from the active Army in 2003 and now publish & illustrate children's books with my wife. My approach to painting or watercolor is from a Realistic perspective; periodically I've dabbled around in Constructivism. Painting in the abstract demonstrates absolutely nothing to me; other than a willingness too associate big words in trying to describe your work. Thematic developments are influenced through music; especially (Jazz and Gospel), children in genre, religious metaphors, and historical pictorials. Artists who have influenced me: Henry Ossawa Tanner, and Dean L. Mitchell. I’m influenced more in how they approach(ed) life versus this art thing, in Dean’s case it’s definitely his art. Born in Kansas City, MO 1961. Raised by a loving grandmother a few blocks from 18th & Vine. Attended Central Jr. & Sr. High 1972–78. During the 70s & 80s my great uncle was the first Black Chief of Police in Kansas City, KS (Boston Daniel’s), so all of my juvenile activities had to be conducted on the Missouri side of town. 1974-75, I was accepted into the Hallmark Cards Internship Program and in 1976 started summer enrichment classes at the Kansas City Art Institute.
My philosophy: " If God gives you a special intelligence at birth, then man cannot take that intelligence from you, it can only be hindered by him. If you are squandering that precious gift given unto you by the creator, always be mindful that it is just a gift. If you are blessed enough to be endowed by the creator; do not waist time describing your intelligence, just execute. Only emulate those kindred intellects with more talent than you, and then be careful of whom you emulate. Then prepare yourself of criticism the rest of your days. If you really want to hear God laugh, tell him about all of your plans; He really does have a wonderful sense of humor. It is not where and how you start in life than counts, but how and where you finish. " Dreams; I paint at the beginning of mine. " My Grandmother gave me the best advice I have heard to date! "Boy, those folks couldn't paint or draw their way out of a paper box, even if the directions on the bottom said, "Turn it up."" For Sabee. Thanks for the advice and everything. “Hello world”
Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise. Proverbs
6:6
