David Haynes, Artist
David Haynes didn’t think cats would be the key that opened the door to new fulfillment, undiscovered talent, and income. Haynes was doing well as a Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist and life was good. Life took another turn in 2019 when he took a portrait painting class at the Creative Aging Network in Greensboro. The theme was a favorite for many – a pet portrait class. “I had never painted until that class,” said Haynes. What made him take the class? To give the portrait of their family cats to his wife, Amy, for her birthday.
Haynes told Amy he was going hiking and instead to went to the portrait class. “I enjoyed the experience and was encouraged to continue painting from Jennifer Donley, artist in residence,” he said. “She suggested I purchase a few brushes, paints, and canvasses,” Haynes said. Four years and more than 350 paintings later, Haynes turned his love for painting into a new hobby that continues to grow. He gives God total credit for the newfound talent. To family and friends who have encouraged him over the last four years, Haynes stated, “What you say does matter.”
He was a complete novice and admits to not being familiar with primary colors before taking up the hobby. He chose to paint with acrylics – it is a forgiving medium for beginners. “You can paint over mistakes easily with acrylics and it dries fast,” he smiled. Haynes started with landscapes and moved to other subjects with a favorite subject of churches. The places of worship are featured prominently in his work.
Haynes continued to expand his portfolio with diverse subjects as his hobby has grown. As to his love of houses of worship, “I love the architecture and quaint styles of churches, especially those in rural and mountain communities,” he said. Haynes grew up in a musical family that liked to sing and his father was a Minister of Music. “I’ve found that so many people have a connection with a church or place of worship and my paintings help create a sense of balance of what’s really important in life.”
Waiola Church, Lahaina, Hawaii
At first Haynes posted his paintings on Facebook and it soon took off with requests coming steadily for commissioned work. After three years it was time to take the next step to continue growing and promoting his work. He took the leap and davidhaynespaintings.com was born (currently 95 paintings are on his website).
Pilot Mountain
The blossoming artist paints two to three nights a week in the wee hours while listening to old hymns. “I feel a closer presence to God while I paint and it is calming,” he said. He has favorite paintings – the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountains’ Mile High Swinging Bridge, the Great Wall of China, and others.
Great Wall of China
His painting of the A&T Four February One Statue, four college students from NC A&T who are credited with starting the Civil Rights Movement, was on display at the International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro during a special AARP gala in honor of Black History month.
Setting Haynes apart from other artists is his signature trademark. In all of his paintings, he cleverly hides “three” tiny crosses in the image. “The crosses remind me of ‘God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit’,” he said. “It is only fitting that I honor Him, who has blessed me with a new talent. It also discreetly represents my faith and shows people who I am.” He smiles when he recounts times he has noticed people peering up close to find the tiny crosses.
Inspiring, calming, and fulfilling is how Haynes describes this new later-in-life talent and becoming an artist at 61. “It is never too late to see what God has planned for you, and to start a new hobby or something new,” Haynes smiled.
To learn more about David Haynes’ work go to www.davidhaynespaintings.com.
David Haynes writes a column for the Retirement Resource Guide. His articles can be found at www.retirementresourceguide.com/articles/feature-articles/columns/david-haynes.