My nephew is convalescing from by-pass surgery. I also went through that several years ago and it was during that time that I took up painting and writing. I’m not real good at either, however, it does satisfy something down deep inside me and as I continue to both write and paint, I believe I do see some improvements. So, I wanted to show you my very first painting, which I call “Contrail”. Our skies are continually streaked with contrails of jet aircraft criss crossing. One late afternoon on the way home from work I counted 17 contrails in the afternoon sky. I have given this painting to number 3 grandson…It was one of his favorites.
So, nephew, you might want to consider becoming an art – tist…….You were always good at drawing as I recall….Well, just a thought….Uncle
I disagree, Pete. You have always been an artist since I’ve known you. You started out singing Gospel Music in the FFA Quartet in high school, and I still remember parts you played in various dramas that were put on by your class while you were in high school. If you just had more training in art early on, you would be a great artist today, rather it be in Gospel Music, country music, painting, or writing. You are the one artist with potential that I know whose roots are in Coal Fire, Alabama. I believe my brother, Alan, had it as well, at least in music; but he just turned out too lazy to get the training that he needed to be successful, not to mention the daily grind of practice. I say to you, Pete; and I say to Alan. It is never to late to develop that potential, at least not until you begin to “push up daisies”, as we all will at some time.
My favorite country/gospel artist has always been Tennessee Ernie Ford since I was a kid. It was only last fall that I found out that Tennessee Ernie did not just come out of his mother’s womb singing great country songs and re-making of himself as a hillbilly comic on national television for the entertainment of millions.
It was during our trip to Bristol, Tennessee last October that I found out that Tennessee Ernie was born there and that his first job was a radio announcer at WOPI-AM in Bristol. He later attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. It was only then that I found out that great artists are not born. They are made. If only I had known this at an earlier stage of my life. I could have counciled my brother Alan to attend the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, or some similar institution. Alan would be a great artist today like my life long idol, Tennessee Ernie Ford. You could have done it too, Pete. All you needed was the training, the education, and the willingness and the determination to excel.
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words and yes, I agree, whatever the endeavor, with hard work one can be successful….But we both agree that talent helps…Pete
Talent is inborn. You have already demonstrated that you have the basic talent: PCHS dramas, FFA Quartet, various NM quartets, writing, and painting. So has Alan. Some have it, and some don’t. It depends on how the DNA is connected together at conception. Talent is quickly nullified if it is not encourage, trained, nultured, and practiced through much hard work.