On plein air painting > If there’s one thing we know about artists, it’s that we will find a way to create. Even if our hands aren’t actively making something, our mind is at work.
It’s at work where Tim Kelly makes time for plein air painting. Although you’ll find him behind the wheel of a semi-truck for much of the week, he’ll be the first to tell you, “I’m a painter that drives a truck.”
Tim travels with his paint and brushes in a cigar box in the cab of his truck. “If I’m reasonably certain to have at least an hour of uninterrupted time,” Tim said, “I’ll pull out my gear and start painting.” He added that when he’s on the job, he usually sets up in the cab: “It’s rare that anyone knows what I’m doing, but if they do notice, they offer kind pleasantries.”
Sometimes we fear doing what we love in public because of what other people think. Tim tells us, “I was shy about painting in public when first venturing outside to paint about 15 years ago, but not anymore. Participation in quick draws probably was the main factor in getting me to overcome fear.”
He also shares this advice for those who want to paint more: “Keep a little pochade box in your vehicle. I have a canvas satchel that carries everything I need. I’ve done paintings while waiting for my tires to be changed, while my kids played at playgrounds and gyms, in stadium parking lots, etc. Be ready when the opportunity presents itself. Have your gear on hand.”
In 2021 Tim won Best in Show at Plein Air Easton, of which he says, “It was very gratifying to have finally won that very prestigious event after 10 years of trying. I will be participating in Easton again this summer, and hope to be juried into the Cape Ann Plein Air Festival in October.”
In closing, he also had this to share: “I hope, for everyone who paints, that painting does for you what you want it to do.”
Connect with Tim Kelly on Instagram where he explains all of this in a nutshell: “I want to paint, but I have to drive this freakin truck.”
Tim Kelly was recently featured on the Today Show – watch the segment here!
This truck driver is proof to never give up on making your dreams a reality. pic.twitter.com/mSxO12HRHT
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 25, 2023
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What a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it.