Buck Paulson

Sink Saint

SINK SAINT

I have been teaching art classes for about 40 years. What a glorious privilege it has been to teach for that length of time. I like to think that both the student and myself have learned a lot while completing a ton of paintings.

Many choice experiences have been gained while teaching across the country, into Canada, and even in the United Arab Emirates (three times). I have also enjoyed teaching several mornings a month in a Garage about 3 miles from home. It is in this garage that a couple choice students have said, “Talk to me.” What they are saying is, “Please explain what you are thinking as you paint on my picture.”

This learning experience is good for both the student and the teacher.

One time I was asked why do I dip my brush into the paint, then appear to wipe it off on a paint rag before applying it to the canvas.

I really had a good reason: The reason being, “ That is the way my teacher did it.”

The squeezing the brush on the paint rag was really to check the amount of paint on the brush and to shape the brush hair before applying paint to the canvas.

I will give you another reason for doing something that is a bit strange: I clean the sink after I use it in a public facility (restaurants, airports, etc.)

One day I was teaching in Southern California and stopped at a restaurant for breakfast before the class. While using the men’s restroom, I noticed an Asian fellow cleaning the fixtures, etc. He was very dedicated in his work.
I waited till the rest of the patrons had left, and commented to the worker, “Norm’s is very lucky to have you work for them, you do such fine work.”

“Oh, I don’t work for Norm’s.”

“But, then why are you cleaning the restroom?”

“Because I love Jesus.”

Like I say, I sure have been cleaning a lot of public sinks since that day.

posted by Buck Paulson @ 6:02 PM