Given, having been retired for the past five years, now has had the time and inclination to create more serious artwork as an amateur. That said, he has a long history of exposure to art and painting.
His mother, E. Jane Given, was a professional watercolorist in the Philadelphia area, and taught many adult classes, which he was welcome to attend starting at ten. In 2018 Givens' interest in art returned. His wife, Janie bought him a set of 3 lessons from Lisa Beach, who provided expert guidance and assisted in honing his skills. Of Given's freewill, he continued group and private lessons using both watercolor and acrylics. He began utilizing oil paints after an influential workshop with Eric Tobin, who’s landscapes Given had personally enjoyed.
He thoroughly enjoys the challenge of rendering a painting that captures the moment, especially lights and shadows -- and receiving immense joy from capturing the emotional feeling of a place and a time.
