About Me…

The other day I heard a message about Christ and the wedding feast. It gave me a new perspective.

I can’t tell you when I “became” and artist only that I had the “gift’ as long as I can remember. From drawing like crazy every Sunday morning while listening, yes, listening to the sermon, I sold my first set of cartoons and had my first piece selected to go around the world in the first grade.

I’ve been so fortunate in having people encourage me all my life. From having my work selected through my high school career at the highest level of “Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards” with pieces being entered into the national exhibition, winning many accolades, being allowed the opportunity of an independent studio and creation of a bell tower memorial at one of the country’s most prestigious visual art schools, teaching 1000’s of children art at a public school, night classes for adults, creation of 1000’s of graphics and now being recognized as a collectable artist and having exhibitors’ as well as contests request paintings.

I’ve been fortunate in my life to have great highs in what I have seen and where and with whom I have been including athletically, scholarly, creatively and emotionally and to have great lows physically, mentally, emotionally, commercially and financially. They have given me the understanding and clarity that I now possess. All of these translate into my work, “the works of my hands.”

Four great things I have realized. First are people, everyday, up and down society, they need a better understanding of art and particularly in my case, “paintings”, to acquire value, encourage them positively and give them better health and well-being, let alone a collection that is “priceless” to them.. Secondly, artists need encouragement, someone standing with them, understanding them and giving them a sounding board. Some or many, who contribute to them moving forward and moving on in their creative pursuits. They may be critical and even demanding but without self interest motivate other artists toward a pursuit of passionate perfection. Thirdly, you “gotta laugh”! Live, love, serve and laugh. Enjoy each day, each moment, stop and see and listen and look. There is so much there for you. Reach for it, seek out the truth, see the beauty, and realize the artist Creator. Fourth and most important, I have realized how screwed up we are, how far away we are from the truth and a right relationship with God. In so doing, we have made choices to trade in our dreams as well as our principles, beliefs and vows in pursuit of our so called “self satisfying feelings”. We say we want the truth, but do we? We live in tumultuous times, in a world of struggle, moving to a determined end and we so need reconciliation.

All of this compels me to look, see, mentor, laugh, write, and paint. Thank you, you who have so contributed to me. Should I accomplish anything amidst all the mistakes, and wrongs I committed, I do remember “all I have accomplished He has done for me.”

Why did the message give me a new perspective? The pots that would be filled with water and He would turn to wine, were broken down, used and had seen many and far better days. Suddenly, they were filled in a miraculous way with new life to be used for the Masters purpose.

“Find my paintings or may my Paint-tings find you!”
Douglas Auld