Ed Edwards


          Life Without Color

A Veteran's Journey from Military Service to Artistic Expression

 

As a young artist, I took art classes and studied both oil and acrylic painting. Somewhere along the way, however, my passion for art took a back seat to the demands of life. Although I remained surrounded by art for many years, I never seemed to find the time to pick up my paints and brushes again. 

That changed in 2011 while I was deployed to Iraq as an army National Guard Jag (Judge Advocate). A year without color is a long time, and that is exactly how I felt. The monochromatic landscape of Iraq made me long for anything that wasn't brown.

During my mid-tour R&R, my wife, Becky, and I traveled to France. Experiencing masterpieces in the museums, strolling through the beautiful gardens of Paris, and visiting Claude Monet's home and garden in Giverny rekindled my passion for painting. I returned home determined to pick up my brushes once again.

Today, my favorite painting method is the palette knife. It allows me to paint with freedom and bold expression while capturing the feeling I want each piece to convey. Rather than focusing on every minute detail, I strive to capture the essence of the entire scene. I love the sweeping transitions of color that the palette knife creates, along with the rich texture and depth it brings to every painting.

Since returning from Iraq --- and following a second appointment to Kuwait in 2015 -- I have reopened my law practice, serving clients throughout Harrison and Hancock counties. Painting has become my refuge from the daily demands of practicing law. It provides a welcome escape from the structured pace of my profession and offers a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with creativity.

Thank you for taking the time to view my work. I hope my paintings bring you as much enjoyment as I have found in creating them.