The technological revolution has passed me by. This is the age of computer generated art, and I am still painting with brushes, oil paints, acrylics, and watercolors. I started in 1982. I needed Christmas gifts for my sisters, and had decided to take photos of their dogs and paint them using the canvas panels, paints, and brushes given to me by an artist friend. I had no idea that what I was doing would become a lifetime learning experience and the source of many quiet moments reflecting on life and the relationships I've had over the years. I am 81 now, and still find myself coming up with different art projects just for the opportunity to sit in front of a blank canvas and start painting.

Years ago, I began writing stories about growing up in northern New jersey when it could still be considered a rural area. It was a great way to bring back a lot of memories that I would have otherwise not given much thought to. Some of the stories go beyond my childhood, but still retain the same spirit of adventure and freedom that characterized my early years. I self-published the stories on Amazon, and some of my favorites can be read here on the Stories page.  

Contact: skipvanlenten@gmail.com