Recently I have been asked if some of my works were paintings or photographs, hence the title of this post. It’s a valid question, since more and more photography is being sold in art galleries.

As a child, I loved to draw and paint. Truth be known, most of my drawing was done when I should have been paying attention to my teacher, and most of my painting was by numbers. After our children were born, I took up photography, and rarely went anywhere without my camera bag, my Olympus, multiple lens, and rolls of film. That lasted until iPhones were “born,” and my world changed again! A few years ago, my bride gave me a chance to again explore my artistic talent, with a gift certificate for a Wine and Design class. The class gave me a new appreciation for art, and my limits, hence “Cruising North.”

In the class I learned several things. One, I was more talented at making wine disappear, than painting. I learned that painting distant objects does not require the same detail and level of expertise as items that are up close. Finally, the class gave me a new appreciation for all forms of art, and a better understanding of why there are so many starving artists. Upon leaving the class, I swore to keep my day job until retirement.

So, the big question: Is “Cruising North” a painting or iPhone pic? Give it your best shot!

“Dwell as near as possible to the channel in which your life flows.“ Henry David Thoreau

Oh Captain My Captain