APRIL FLOWERS Painting

I had been a writer for my entire life until I discovered the miracle of painting in 2011. Two years later I had painted 1300 paintings. It was as if the hand of God had reached down and touched my heart and turned me into an artist. Once I started painting I couldn’t stop. I was obsessive and compulsive. I even painted in my sleep. Just when I thought I could not be a happier man, God gave me two more unexpected gifts: diabetic neuropathy and sciatica. The level of pain brought on by those two gifts was remarkable. I soon realized I only had enough strength to do two things--work to get better and paint. Every ounce of anger, isolation, pain, and fear of death became another painting. Even with a relentless, never-ending round of doctor appointments, tests, and treatments I still managed to paint every day. When I realized that nothing I tried medically could stop the pain I decided I should prepare to die. Every painting became My Last Painting. Then late one night when I was sitting in the midst of my paintings, I began to review my life. I discovered that every painting represented something I had been through and that all the pain had helped me become a better painter and a better man. I finally accepted the truth--God had given me three gifts--the gift of painting, the gift of pain, and the gift of life. The irony is that, safe within the arms of death, I had found acceptance and appreciation for every moment of my life. I also realized that in addition to Deano Art, what I have to offer is proof that you can never be too old, too young, too discouraged or defeated. It is never too late to find a hidden talent or a new dream. All you have to do is open up your heart, let inspiration be your guide and accept your brand new life.  In the end, after I have turned to dust, and I am nothing but a memory, this will be my legacy. Maybe if I’m lucky, on some dark night you will see a Deano painting hanging in your home and it will touch your heart and help you realize you are not alone.