What started off as a simple hobby, has turned into an important part of my life. Each painting takes approximately 400 hours. Instead of canvas I use the back side of bathroom Masonite, which is stronger, smoother, and easier to store. The surface is prepared with several sanded coats of Gesso finish. I still use quick drying acrylics along with inexpensive drugstore brushes. For the past few paintings, I now use an easel, so I no longer paint by leaning it up against the wall. To simplify my clean-up, I use paper plates to mix and dabble my colors. On some of the finer details, I still use a magnifying glass.

Some of the conventional artists are bewildered when I explain my unorthodox techniques, along with my inexpensive equipment and lack of training. And some of these paintings have received Best of Show at some statewide competitions. How appropriate the scripture: "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;" (I Corinthians 1:27)

No doubt the painting skill comes from above, apparently a God given talent that I greatly appreciate. Interestingly, I have never attended a painting class; also I have been blessed with exceptional vision, which is better that 20/15 at age 45. And to no surprise, the superior painting occurs when I feel the closest to Him.

I'm excited about the new series which will consist of three paintings, each with a limited edition of only 1,200; signed and numbered. I intend on using the New Yorker style helmet and a variety of traditional firefighting equipment. Hopefully I'll be able to finish the series in 1998. By the way, a lot of people have asked me if I ever us the s/n print 666. No! I'm very careful to skip that particular when I sign the prints. So for instance, instead of 1,200 s/n, there are actually 1,199 s/n.

Recently, Pierce Apparatus offered me a two year contract to allow them to use a special technique in placing the print "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD" on the doors of special ordered apparatus. It was an unexpected blessing!

The law enforcement print, "Blessed are the Peacemakers" was completed in April 1997. I enjoyed this project! I have a lot of friends in law enforcement and they have a tough job, particularly in these difficult times where there is an evil element like never before! Most firefighters say they would not be police officers­and most police officers say they would not be firefighters. It seems to be a reciprocal respect!

If the Lord is willing, I hope to expand the prints into other disciplines (nursing, EMS, military, farming), however I still plan to continue painting firefighters­my most enjoyable work!

As always, I pray that each lithograph will touch a life in a positive way and that they will help people to be mindful of what is really "important."

­Jim Davis