Hello there! 

Congratulations!  You've discovered my "secret page".  Not so much concerned with my artwork, but more of what may influence my life and evolution as an artist.  If you've found this link on my website, you're possibly a fan of mine, or certainly someone who reads the fine print areas more closely than most!

While many would find this particular page unusual, it will inform you of things I've noticed along my journey of learning to be and becoming an Artist in regards to Sir Paul McCartney, aside from a genetic ancestry connection. 

Coincidental connections....or something more?

Anyone who's had genetic connections with anyone else, nearly always notices similarities  they have in common with that person.  Whether it's basic things like physical traits, skill sets and/or personal interests with something. 

With these sort of things, one can take risks, which may be interpreted by others as "off balance", "delusional", "imag-inary"....or just plain lies and exaggerations.  I'm willing to take that risk. 

Basically, as long as I'm aware of what I'm saying and inferring, I shouldn't have to be concerned about what someone else may think about any of this, and I don't.  I leave this up to the individual as to whether or not to believe anything I may say here (or anywhere else, for that matter).

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This particular "coincidental connection" relates to an artist, a rather famous artist, that Paul McCartney and his late wife, Linda, were friends with; WILLEM DeKOONING. Mr. DeKooning was an acclaimed Abstract Expressionist painter.

Many years ago, in the early 1980's, I went through a period of looking at the work and trying to "relate" my own experiences and outlook with those artists who've gone before me.  Some living, some long dead.  As I went about collecting books on artists that I admired, I of course collected MANY fine art books on the French Impressionists (my primary interest).

As I researched and observed the work of this legendary group of artists, I also stumbled onto other artists that I had some admiration for, or could relate to as far as there work was concerned.  So here comes the strange part, although at the time, there was certainly nothing unusual about it. 

Somewhere, during my many excursions to book stores looking at various artists, as well as museum exhibitions I attended, I found that I rather admired the fanciful, colorful works of none other than...WILLEM DeKOONING.  His paintings seemed filled with light, and were "non-threatening" in overall mood. 

I even found his work attire (coverall's) appealing. He was dressed in white coveralls, like a house painter.  It struck me as perfectly ironic.  He painted artistic canvases instead of walls, houses and buildings.  I even went out and purchased my own overalls and wore them when I painted outdoors on location. 

Eventually, I decided my own interests and direction in art went more in the direction of the Impressionists, rather than the abstract work of Willem DeKooning.  Many years went by.  I gave no further thought to any of this, particularly DeKooning.  As the internet "universe" rapidly grew and evolved, and all sorts of information became generally accessible, I discovered I had some genetic connection to the McCartney clan.

Aside from my general astonishment at this news, imagine how shocked I was when I saw photos and descriptions concerning a relationship between Paul McCartney and Willem DeKooning!   Out of all the thousands and thousands of famous and near-famous artists all over the earth, what were the odd's that I should become very interested in,of all people...the very same Willem DeKooning? 

Off hand, I'd say the odd's are astronomical against this "coincidental connection".  Nevertheless, there it was.  Shock or no shock, I realized how very odd this was.  How could it be explained?  I had no unusual interest or fixation concerning Paul McCartney in the early 80's, nor any other time period.  And it's highly unlikely McCartney was attracted to DeKooning because he wore coveralls while creating his paintings!

I certainly don't recall reading anywhere that McCartney had any connection with DeKooning.  In fact, at that time, knowledge that McCartney was interested in becoming a visual artist and had befriended DeKooning was largely unknown and limited to those personally close to McCartney, like his immediate family.

I'm still not sure what to think about all this, except that for reason's unknown, I had some powerful attraction to Willem DeKoonings work for two or three years.  Even more bizarre....it was during those very years that Mr. McCartney was actually developing a REAL personal friendship with Willem DeKooning.  Mental telepathy?  Mere coincidence?   Or something more....? 

          As bizarre and unlikely as this tale sounds, there are some additional "coincidental connections" regarding myself and Mr. McCartney that will be mentioned on this page, as time allows, in the coming months.

Sir Paul McCartney and Willem DeKooning

Willem DeKooning in his painting studio

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