Jim Keffer

My paintings are like life.

Starting with a blank canvas, I add an overall coat of acrylic color – always red – creating a bright undercoat.

This is like the sun coming up chasing away the darkness.

I make a rough sketch creating shapes and places where paint is added later.

This is like making a plan for the day.

I start filling in the rough sketch with new colors – often creating new shapes and new ideas.

More underpainting, no finish work yet.

This is like one’s workday: setting to work, fulfilling the plan and adjusting to the new day’s needs.

The painting begins to take on a life of its own. I am not totally in control.

It has become a partnership between the painting and me.

This is like a day wherein one attends to one’s own needs and wants while attending to other’s needs and wants as well.

I add the final colors.

Layer upon layer of paint - early layers sometimes completely obscured.

The painting is finished.

This is like the end of the day when one’s work is finished.

For better or for worse.

One learns.

I now have an idea for my next painting.

Another blank canvas is stretched.

This is like the sun appearing on the horizon lighting up a new day.

A new plan, the day’s work begins.

This I call rhythms.

There is only one way.