 I started painting by accident after buying paint and brushes in a yard
sale for $ 10.00, think that was about 1989 (???) My first paintings were wildlife paintings, having
been inspired by the works of Robert Bateman. I soon became frustrated and realized I was
doing something someone else should be doing. That's when I decided to start painting from
my heart, memories of my child hood & life as a fisherman and woodsman.Anyway, the next year I had my own yard sale and put a couple of paintings out. Two people started arguing over one painting. I had put them out for fun, never thinking anyone would want one. The gentleman who ended up with my first painting told me this was folk art and said that if I enjoyed doing it that I should keep at it. I've created this folk art gallery to show as many people as possible what folk art is all about
and hopefully this will give you a better understanding of what is true folk art and why we do what
we do. All works shown are in private collections and nothing is offered for sale. I have no desire
to sell folk art over the internet. I think it would be too impersonal. I like to know the people
who have my work. To find out more about why & how I created this gallery, click on Michael's
link in "art of my less folkey friends" on the first page, and read my thoughts (3rd heart down).The old red truck seen in my works, was my dad's old '53 Chevrolet. It brings back fond memories of my childhood such as fish peddling with dad or just out for a Sunday drive, five of us crammed in the old truck. I've included the work of two Acadian folk artists, Léo B. Leblanc and Leonce Gallant. Léo passed away in 1986. I never got to meet him, but his work is a perfect example of what true folk art is to me. My friend Leonce's carvings were inspired by his childhood and again, I feel are a perfect example of true folk art. As our gallery grows and finances allow, I will include other folk artists' work and would like to hear from others doing folk art. ...Paul |