Raoul’s Two Cents: April 25, 2025

Artist At Work

So, I started painting again. I’ve been planning to do this for years. When I was younger I thought I would get the chance to do this when I retire. Then I figured, why wait? Just do it now while I still can see, still can use my hands … still cognizant. So now my room’s all messed up with paint tubes and brushes all over the place. I have to walk sideways to walk from the canvass to the computer … ie. my artist cave is complete! And when I wake up in the middle of the night, I paint.

All the websites, all the commercial graphics I’ve created will fade but my artwork will live on. Even AI will never replace handmade art. I know some of the sporadic paintings and caricatures I’ve done already hang in walls around the world. There are many more walls to conquer.

“I was born to be fast”
— Eric Liddell, The Scottish Olympian Runner, (Chariots of Fire)

When I was a kid, I knew God had given me the gift. In art class I was long done while my classmates struggled to finish the projects. Drawing, painting and sculpture came easy for me. I really wanted to make a living as an artist but my Mom snuffed that ambition when she told me “the only rich artist is a dead artist.” (Everyone knows that Van Gogh never sold a painting while he was alive).

Now I’m thinking, I’m getting older … I’m gonna die soon … so I guess I will soon be rich — well at least who owns my paintings.

But this is just silly ol’ me. TGIF people!

Here’s a sneak peak at what I’m currently working on:

“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.” — Vincent Van Gogh

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life” — Pablo Picasso

“To be an artist is to believe in life.” — Henry Moore

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” — Romans 11:28

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Martha of Connecticut

Parting Shots

Thanks to Juan of San Diego

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Jordan of Kentucky

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Joanne of Hacienda Heights, CA

Thanks to Jennifer of La Habra, CA

Thanks to Dick of Covina, California

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

Got any good jokes? Come share it with rest of us!

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