I have been painting and drawing for many years, but when I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in August 2017, my art became even more important to me than before.
I paint in a realistic style and use a variety of subjects. Most of my paintings are of subjects I’ve known all my life, and they help me to recall things from the past that are important to me. I use my art to forget completely any problems, which, of course, include my new cancer diagnosis. I’m now in partial remission thanks to the drug Darzalex (daratumumab), and I hope to be receiving maintenance therapy in a couple of months if my progress continues.
This painting, “Arbor Oaks Walk,” depicts a street in Austin, Texas, where this very old Live Oak tree spreads over the sidewalk, casting wonderful shadows and making this a beautiful place to relax and enjoy and paint.
My wife and I enjoy reading CONQUER magazine, thanks to the great articles about the latest cancer treatments and the people who are receiving treatment, as well as the doctors who are working on developing new treatments.