Danny Boy

Day 24: I’m sure that many of you are familiar with this old truck. Old Danny Boy stands off the edge of RT 242 near Holimont in Ellicottville. Today, I found Danny Boy still decorated with a plastic Christmas wreath and it seemed like the drive by rock throwing had taken quite a toll on his windshield . Even with all he has suffered, Danny’s Boys graceful curved fenders and chrome accents testify to what a grand truck he was in his day.
There is a painting of a weathered peeling church door, that I painted about 8 years ago. Most people walk by it mumbling, “why would you paint that”. I didn’t paint that piece to be beautiful, although it is in its own way. I painted it to share it’s history with those who stop and spend the time to look deeply at it. I want them to feel how the wood swelled after a week long soaking rain, or the paint cracked under the drought that dried up Aunt Velma’s well. I want them to visually feel the warmth of the weathered, sun soaked door knob that has been turned by four generations of families and to hear the echos of joy and laughter or crying and grief behind its door.
There is beauty in things that are past their prime, but have a history to tell. We just need the time to listen.
“Danny Boy” Watercolor 3”x5” (SOLD)

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