Randy Arnest

I first painted in 1971.  An artist friend, to show me what canvas pliers were, had me stretch a small canvas.  He sent me home with the stretched canvas, a brush, and a few tubes of acrylic paint.  I have painted steadily since then, some years more than others.  In the spring of 1972, I attended Sacramento State taking various art classes.  In the summer of 1975 I was studying art at Humbolt State and I was there through the fall of 1976.  In the early 1990’s, while living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I had a class in monotype print making, as well as one in experimental watercolor techniques.  In Mississippi I became a member of both the Pass Christian Art Association and the Gulfport Art Association.  I learned a great deal from the monthly demonstrations both groups had, and I received support for my work from my fellow members.  My work hung in two group shows on the coast.

I have worked as a lumberjack, ambulance attendant, warehouse person, truck driver and live-in night watch-person at a mortuary.  I once worked making caramel corn at Fisherman’s Wharf.  I managed a retail dive store and charter dive operation in the Florida Keys.  I have been an independent SCUBA instructor in Mississippi and Belize.  I have most often been employed in casinos as a dealer, floor person, and pit manager.  I read voraciously and I study art in person as well as in books and on the web.

Often I approach canvases, or other supports, with only the sketchiest plan of action.  Some times I lay down some sort of vague environment, using different techniques.  My figures come from automatic drawing.  Then I paint, draw some more, and repeat.  I see my interaction with the paint, tools, and techniques as a battle to establish and retain control of the surface.  When I find that I have painted my self into boxes or cul-de-sacs, I have to gather my strength and paint my way out.  Painting sooths my spirit, causes my heart to sing, and makes things clearer in my mind.