douglasjrost-paintings.com

I’ve always thought of myself as a left brained guy. I do computer consulting as a career. I’m pretty comfortable around computers and programs. Conversely, I’ve always lost at Pictionary and I’ve never thought I draw well. Draftsman, yes Artist, no! Right brainless! Thanks to some old friends of mine and a peculiar coincidence, I had a life changing experience that altered that view and has me hooked on painting.

In February 2008 I was on a Family Reunion Cruise with Wayne and Ruby Leavitt. The old friends I refer to above (I was Best Man at their wedding 200 years ago.) There were about 10-15 people in the Family Reunion party, a mix of seniors, adults and kids.

One day the whole group wanted to go to a cruise sponsored “Painting with Watercolors” event. I hadn’t painted since Kindergarten. So thought it might prove to be interesting.

Well, contrary to what I expected, there was no instruction involved at the event. You were handed paper, paint, brushes and water and they simply walked away, leaving you with your thoughts or, as in my case, an embarrassing void in the brain. I've had no art training so I drew a gaping blank.

The interesting thing was, when I looked around ... every kid in the room was already painting. Why can’t I do something that any kid can do? Driven by near panic, I had a painting accident. No plan, just kind of stumbled along.

I painted a crude landscape that Ruby and her daughter Gail thought was good . They’re into art and I trust their judgment. They showed my painting around at dinner while I tried to hide under the table. Later, they made me promise to keep painting when I got home. I promised I would. When I got home, I got the necessary gear and I’ve been painting ever since.

Painting complements technology to a T. Its analog not digital; approximate, not exact;. Intuitive, not logical. It forces you to look beyond logic, trust your intuition and appreciate the value of a good accident.

Good Grief! I’ve got a right brain too. I’m hooked.

The painting “Three Little Birds” is that first painting from the cruise.