About

In 1982, I started working as a house painter in Kent, Connecticut. I enjoyed getting outdoors when I could to hike up into the mountains around town or explore the rivers in that area, and at the same time, became interested in doing artwork. I needed Christmas gifts for my sisters, and had a cigar box full of oil paints, a handful of brushes, and several canvas panels that were given to me by an artist friend. I drew very detailed sketches of the dogs on the panels and filled them in from top to bottom. The paintings were okay, but what surprised me the most was how much I enjoyed doing them. It was not at all like work, and I had a lot to learn by teaching myself as I went along, but I never lost my interest in art or my appreciation for how valuable the time spent working on a painting can be. Since I retired from house painting, I have been experimenting with watercolors and acrylics and also published a collection of short stories about some of the most memorable experiences in my life. The stories revolve around family life, growing up in the 50's and 60's, and the little adventures that add meaning to our lives in later years. On Amazon: 30 Stories and A Little Adventure.  

Selected stories can also be found on the Stories page.

Contact: skipvanlenten@gmail.com