I wasn't sure how to begin, then Uncle James died. Why is this important for you to know?

James Theodore Lane (May 2, 1939 - April 28, 2011) left us suddenly, without warning. I still can't believe he's gone.  He was a true Colorado cowboy, making his living as a ranch hand and then running his own herd of cattle when he 'retired'.  They are hardworking, old-school Christians.  James and sister Evelyn ( my mom-in-law ) lost their mom the same day James was born, so their dad Ted raised them. It was a hard life, as Ted was a farmer and also traveled to work for other farmers. They were truly poor.  No surprise that James became a rancher, after time as an Army paratrooper & instructor at West Point. He married Janet and they raised 4 kids. Before retiring from the ranch that he worked for, he bought land and built a house for their 'retirement', where he ran his own small herd of cattle. 

Yet there was a side of Uncle James and, as it turned out, at least 2 previous generations that is unexpected. They were also artists ! Grampa Ted used watercolor, thickly, and his style was naive, folk art. I had seen his paintings many times at his house before marrying into the family. What a surprise to discover, on a visit to the ranch as an in-law ( or 'outlaw', as he was fond of joking ), that Uncle James also painted. His work was more toward realism and he used oils.  When I suggested that he show his paintings he just scoffed. "No, no. I just do it for my own enjoyment." So only family and friends ever saw them. When Grampa Ted died we found portraits, done in some type of crayon, by his dad Albert of Albert's parents, and a political cartoon by Albert or his dad.  These are now in my care along with several of Grampa Ted's paintings.

Of all the things that Uncle James did in his life I am most amazed by his paintings. He would never have considered selling any.  It wasn't important.  It was just the joy he got from creating them that made him pick up a brush and paint. It inspires me to remember why I paint. I find joy in the colors, in the creating. Let's all remember that.