Jeff Paulus
Artist Statement:
I am a retired high school teacher. I taught mathematics for the Chaffey Joint Union High School District for 38 years. During that time and after retirement, I also taught mathematics as an adjunct instructor at Chaffey College.
After I retired, I wanted to do something different. I had always wanted to do art, but I was reluctant to get started. This right brain activity, though intriguing, was also intimidating. Two ladies at my church had a background in art and I asked them to be my mentors. So I launched off into acrylic painting. I soon discovered that I preferred abstract art and liked playing with the colors on canvas. I would bring in pieces, they would critique them and give me advice.
I joined an intermediate art class with the city of Upland in 2020 and was with them for another year. The class was discontinued due to Covid-19. During Covid-19, I continued to paint and get direction from my mentors. One of them suggested that I take my work to the Pomona Valley Art Association and apply to put my art up for sale in their gallery. I followed through with this suggestion and I am now a member of PVAA and an exhibiting artist in Gallery SOHO.