Kerry Holmes

I love to paint. I find it relaxing. It has the potential for quieting my soul. There is definitely something happening when paint meets the canvas, I must admit. I can’t exactly put it into words. I am just pretty sure there is something special and exciting happening. I am relatively new to the painting scene. In fact, I didn’t start painting until November of 2023. Prior to that all I could manage was the odd doodle from time to time. That November I decided I was going to explore oil painting and straight away, with little warning, a connection was made with painting that I could not deny. I could not part with this newly discovered activity that has transformed my life. The very first thing I noticed was that my soul was quieted. I heard no one and nothing. I have joked about saying “I heard no one not even me.” It was that quiet in there. The last time I felt any kind profound soul freeing experience was when I gave my life to Christ. In no way am I suggesting it is the same. Christians can testify to the life changing experiences that Christ does when one surrenders to him. But it is like unto the same in terms of freedom and silence of the soul. As a result, I just keep painting. And I am a better person for it too. I look at everything now through the lens of “I wonder if I could paint that?” Which stops life’s momentum long enough take a second look at things. In other words, a stop and smell the roses taster’s choice moment presenting itself and an obligation to enjoy an unrushed visual experience. Go ahead, enjoy it, view it, take it in was what I heard. Then I oblige and am blessed for doing so. Beyond measure.

The second revelation I had was the vast in-depth knowledge of painting that I did not possess. I knew less than nothing. I didn’t know one brush from the other and what each brush could and couldn’t do. Canvasses, paints, colors, primer, this, that, the other… OMG… But I had to start somewhere. So, I did. The first agreement I reached was the variety of art in the world was open ended and blinders were needed. To be good at painting I had to paint. I had to learn! Renowned Jazz bassist Ron Carter witnessed many bass styles during his career but decided to stick with the upright. Only way to get good at upright is to play upright. Ron Carter holds the record for most recorded bassist of all time, so 2600 credits. I think he would agree that getting good helped. The other reason for blinding out other forms of art is simple economics. Art supplies are expensive. Live with in your means. You still have to pay the bills. Self admittedly I dove headlong into an art rabbit hole the depths of which have not been revealed to me as of yet and the source light from whence I entered has dwindled and faded out. I am totally cool with this art life changing event thing that occurred in me. I do different things now. I go to different places. I have meet different people and other cool artists. I can’t even remember the very things I used to do. I have joined the art league here in my hometown for the first time. Each month there is a themed painting I have to complete and submit. Then the public gets to vote for their favorite. I haven’t won as of yet. I don’t expect to really. The thrill is in the painting.

I put some of my work on this site for you to view. You can leave a comment if you want. I will respond. Please be polite. Happy to discuss.

Thank you so much for viewing my work. I would love to paint for you