Jerry Downey is a hard-working Navarro County man who found some peace putting oil and acrylics to canvas. Although Downey, who has been painting for more than two decades now, did not always feel that way.
“I found art class boring and restrictive in high school. It was not until after a stint in the Navy that he discovered a passion for painting,” he said.
A lot has changed for Downey who now paints for pleasure “Painting should be fun, a place to go without rules to express thoughts and feelings through art.
His first showcase, titled “The Ranch” will be on display until Sept. 23, with a reception at the WLAC Gallery scheduled for Sept. 17. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m.
Downey, who began painting more than two decades ago, first noticed he liked drawing as a child.
Though he admitted that he loves the idea of adding a bit of color and his own perspective as an adult, as seen on The Ranch.
The work is available for purchase and will be shipped after the show concludes.
Since separating from the military in the mid-1990s Downey said he is happy to live a quiet life working at his family’s ranch on FM 709 in Navarro County.
Downey lives on the ranch with his dog, painting whatever inspires him.
“I usually get up and read a piece from local poet Sandy Carroll with my morning coffee I head out to take care of the ranch and to see what speaks to me,” he said.
Judging from the number of canvasses on display at the Warehouse Living Arts Center Gallery, located at 119 West Sixth Avenue in Corsicana, Downey has been quite inspired.
In addition to helping him find peace Downey also credits painting with expanding his purpose.
“I’d like to help build a community in Corsicana to teach and inspire children to become future budding artists who are not afraid to express themselves and discover a passion for art at an early age.”
Downey offered advice to parents and grandparents of young people who show desire or have an interest in art.
“Give them the tools and let them play and discover,” he recommended. “That freedom, will allow them to see beauty in what they are doing, then they will begin to love art as I did.”
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