Monday, August 4th 2014, 8:25 pm
Painting landscapes is not a lost art, but how about painting every landscape? 50 states in 50 days.
Tim Kenney was just an artist on the side. After six years and one recent trip, he's now an artist for life.
"This was my goal, but never dreamed it would happen. I just can't believe it," said artist, Tim Kenney.
In a back studio of his Norman home where even the carpet is a work of art, Kenney is at the crossroads of his life.
"I'm 58 years old and I started painting when I was 52," said Kenney.
And on May 14, Kenney took his crossroads and hit the road.
"Early mass, and it just came to me," said Kenney.
The plan, 50 paintings in 50 states in 50 days, with only one companion, his specially made trailer to hold his paintings that take nearly two weeks to dry. The start was a little rough.
"Maybe the third day I called my son, William, and said I feel like I’m painting a 10,000 sq. ft. house and I just painted a door knob," said Kenney.
But even with several car issues, Tim and his company were focused on his paintings, because in the end, the sale of each one means a 20% donation to help fight Parkinson’s.
The landscapes varied from state to state. from college campuses, to state parks or just anywhere.
"Montana, Wyoming, Vermont, New Hampshire, there was beauty everywhere," said Kenney.
Each painting took an average of seven hours. His drives took about four hours. And he never once cheated.
"Ten hours in Hawaii. Ten in Alaska, it was ridiculous," said Kenney.
Tim's final brushstroke of the trip was July 2 and now he's back home, in his studio, ending every painting like he did in all 50 states, with a swoop of a ‘Y’.
"We just made it happen, we just got up every day," said Kenney.
Tim has already sold 27 paintings. And if he sells all 50, it could equal nearly $20,000 donated to fighting Parkinson’s.
For Oklahoma, Tim painted the Duck Pond on OU's campus.
August 4th, 2014
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October 13th, 2024