"Why Do You Paint Grain Elevators?"

 

   The Parisian Promenade was a terrific success. The threat of rain helped keep the temperatures at a comfortable level, and the breeze was soft, which meant my paintings didn't get blown around.
   I was accompanied by Kimberly, whose decorating expertise helped create a booth display that was inviting and attractive. As was the case last year, my setup was on a slope, but Kimberly's suggestion that I spread out my paintings to take advantage of an area no one was using was spot on.
   My artwork was very well received. I sold seven pieces of art. All day long I received compliments and I heard comments about how much my paintings touched them, or moved them. "They're so simple and refreshing," was a regular comment I heard. It makes me feel so good to know that the art I make touches people in a way similar to the way it touches me.
   I was also touched by the number of co-workers and friends who stopped by to visit. I truely appreciate their support and kind words.
   Part of what makes the Parisian Promenade special is that all of the participating artists are supposed to be demonstrating their art. I started  -- and nearly completed -- a small painting of a grain elevator. Another part of what makes this event so special is the interaction with children. Kids are drawn  -- no pun intended -- to artists who are working on art. I was approached by quite a few children who were interested in seeing what I was painting. They were quick with questions about why I like to paint, how long it takes to do a painting, how long it takes them to dry, why would you paint a grain elevator? The last question was tough to answer. Truth is, I love those old grain elevator buildings. Many of the wooden cribbed versions are no longer in use -- the empty buildings still standing in wide-open spaces like tombstones. Most grain elevators now are steel built, but there are a few of the wooden ones in use.
   Next up for me and art shows will hopefully be the West End Art Festival in Winston-Salem. I'll be applying for that show and hope to get in. It would be my first show outside of Greensboro.
   Before that, though, Kimberly and I will be one of the crafts exhibitors at Fun Fourth on the Fourth of July in downtown Greensboro.

This painting has sold.