The Whole Story

My earliest work never hung in a gallery. It won awards, but never a blue ribbon. Or any other color ribbon. In fact, my earlier creations were seen by millions, yet only a very few knew my name. That's how it works when you're an advertising copywriter.

I wrote funny television commercials for Bud Light, McDonald's, Kellogg's, and a host of others. Radio commercials for nearly every company you can think of. Print ads, too. I was an artist of sorts... with words. I used a pen instead of a brush and legal pads instead of canvas. Punchlines were my masterpieces.

As a Vice President/Creative Director at Chicago ad agency DDB... and later Owner/President of David Lewis Creative Radio-- a comedy radio advertising boutique-- I was doing what I loved.

It was the holiday season of 2017 and my sister asked me what I wanted. Hmmm. You know, our brother is a professional artist and designer. Incredibly talented. Our Dad loved to paint. In fact, a lot of our extended family got the artistic gene. Maybe me, too. Although I'd never tried it... I asked for a paint set and some canvases. She set me up big time!

Soon after, I set everything up and grabbed that magic brush! I stared at that blank canvas waiting for some great inspiration! And... there was none. After ten minutes I put it all away. I realized that I could stare at a blank page for ten minutes and fill it with jokes... but painting?? Not a clue.

April 2020. Pandemic boredom sets in. Jigsaw puzzles lost their allure. I went down to our building's recycling area to make my deposits, and sitting there on our "I Don't Want It-You Can Have It" shelf... was a box of paint. Dozens of 2.5-ounce acrylics. I grabbed 'em! So what if I can't draw! Jackson Pollock made beautiful art! Perhaps I could, too! Or not. But who cared? I had the time and the stuff to try.

And so it began. My art career! First the "Spill & Splatter"... then I went in whatever direction fate led me.

It took some guts, but I shared the early stuff with my brother. He's a pro. I'd be lucky with a pat on the head and a snicker. Surprisingly, he really liked the stuff! He has been enlightening and encouraging ever since. He talks to me "artist to artist"... even when I felt I didn't qualify. He told me I did.

Soon, I shared some things with my Facebook friends and family. They, too, were incredibly excited and encouraging. Who knew??? So, here we are. Let's see what the rest of the world thinks.

Thanks to those who've helped me put together this website, especially Roland, Stacy, Gardiner, and Steve. Your encouragement and suggestions were very much appreciated and usually heeded.

And, my thanks to all of you for responding as you have to this new adventure of mine.