It's not unusual for children to paint, and some of my earliest memories involve myself, some watercolor paper, and a mess of Pentel paints, the kind that came freeze-dried in flat plastic boxes -- just add water! I can even recall, to this day, one of my earliest attempts, a blotch of reds and blues that might put Pollack to shame. I think it was supposed to be Optimus Prime from the cartoon show Transformers....

Most children -- except for the occasional classroom project -- put away the paints as they grow older. I, however, grew up in a family of artists. Landscapes my mother had painted hung on the walls of our home, while my brother painted great oversized canvases that straddled the worlds of painting and collage. Within this limited personal world of art, I was motivated to keep trying too.

I also have to give a nod to the televised painting shows aired on the local Public Broadcasting affiliate. The most memorable award, of course, must go to the late, frizzy-haired Bob Ross, with his pet squirrels, a gentle voice, and a philosophy that -- with a little creativity -- you could turn mistakes into "happy accidents."

This wasn't the world of fine art, but the world of hobby-art, but so what? Ross and people like him opened doors to me that no museum ever did or could; he made art accessible, something that a beginner could hope to achieve some day.

So thanks to everyone, and to Bob, for the inspiration. You've set an example for myself to follow in encouraging others -- although I think I'll draw the line at emulating the hairstyle.  

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