Several people suggested that I feature some of my art works in a diary, and after some thought I decided to produce one diary on the subject. I really have not written about my attempts on graphic arts, in part because my association with art is somewhat bittersweet. My mother wanted me to be an artist, but of course to be successful takes not only talent (which I’m not sure I have) and a business sense (which I absolutely lack.) It was better that I went into science, for a number of reasons, including the fact that neither of my parents could intrude there.
As I said, my mother wanted me to become an artist, but not as good as she was. Unfortunately she never took the chances that an artist must take, in my opinion, in order to grow as an artist. When I won a few minor prizes (only thirds) in art competitions and she did not, it caused all sorts of problems and that pretty well finished my interest in becoming a professional, even if I could have. I still like the challenge of drawing in charcoal, pencil, color pencil and pen and ink, painting in water color and using mixed media. Natural history, water surfaces, environments and drawing from life give me pleasure, even if I never sell anything for myself (although I have sold several paintings for charity.) Anyway here are a few samples of my work. These are among my best and, like most artists I know, there have been some magnificent failures!