The American Way: A Porch, A Painting, A Powerful Reminder

This Fourth of July, I’m reminded not just of fireworks and flags—but of the quiet moments when we come together, step up, and remind each other what it truly means to be American.

In the uncertain days following 9/11, like many of you, I found myself asking what really mattered. The headlines were heavy, and our country’s heart was tender. It was during this time that our local United Way faced a critical shortfall—one that jeopardized the vital programs so many of our neighbors relied upon.

That’s when WFMY News 2 stepped forward—not just to report the story, but to lead the charge. Their team asked a simple but profound question: What if we could rally the community around a symbol of home, hope, and help?

Enter one artist… and one painting.

The Painting That Spoke Without Words

American Way was a scene I had just completed—a quiet Southern porch from one of our historic neighborhoods. The worn steps, the waving flag, the pumpkins and potted flowers… it was humble, yet heartfelt.

We decided to offer signed prints for a $25 donation. No fancy campaign. Just a sincere invitation to give.

By the end of the week-long effort, our community had raised over $216,000—enough to meet the shortfall and keep vital services going. All from a painting… and the collective heartbeat of a community that refused to look the other way.

Three Reflections That Still Resonate

1. Small Gifts, Big Impact
A porch. A brushstroke. A single donation. Never underestimate the ripple effect when one person steps forward with what they have.

2. The Power of Partnership
When media, mission, and meaning align—change happens. WFMY didn’t just report the news; they became part of the solution.

3. Freedom to Serve
The greatest freedom we have isn't just the right to speak, but the ability to act. To use our time, talent, and treasure to uplift those around us.

A Closing Thought for This Fourth of July

As you gather with loved ones this Independence Day, take a moment to embrace the simple joys—a good meal, a familiar porch, the company of friends. These are the treasures that define our lives. And in times of need, never doubt that your gifts—whatever they are—can help light the way for someone else.

That, to me, is the American Way.

"Steal Like a Professional: The Art of Becoming Unforgettable"

I’ll never forget the day I unveiled Hustling Johnny—a vivid portrait of a slick, streetwise pool shark that captured the cunning dance between talent and deception. The piece won national acclaim, opening doors for me as a young artist. But what followed was unexpected. The image was stolen, reproduced, and sold worldwide without permission. My team sent cease-and-desist letters, but they went unanswered. At first, I was furious. But over time, I realized: maybe there was a hint of a compliment in the situation. Someone had stolen but I only wish they would have "stolen like an artist.”

That phrase would come full circle years later when I read Austin Kleon’s book Steal Like an Artist. It’s a brilliant little manifesto of creative truths—10 powerful principles that, frankly, don’t just apply to artists. They apply to anyone trying to make a living doing meaningful work.

Three Lessons from the Book That Shaped My Journey

1. Nothing Is Original—But Your Voice Can Be
Kleon reminds us that creativity is about collecting, connecting, and reinterpreting—not starting from scratch. I’ve borrowed from Andrew Wyeth’s emotional restraint, the looseness of John Singer Sargent, and the modern edge of Wolf Kahn. But I never copied them—I studied, filtered, and let their influence shape my voice. You can do the same. Stealing wisely isn’t theft—it’s transformation.

2. Your Career Demands More Than Talent
I’ve often been told, “You’re so lucky to make a living as an artist.” But luck didn’t build this 50-year career. Alliance, Resourcefulness, and Tenacity—my personal A.R.T. of success—did. I aligned with the right partners, found inventive ways to create opportunities, and refused to quit when things got hard. Kleon’s advice is clear: don’t wait for permission. Make your own momentum.

3. Share Generously, Stay Curious
The artist’s path is not a straight line—it’s a messy, shared experience. Whether you’re speaking, designing, building, or leading, Kleon’s advice to “do good work and share it with people” is gold. That’s how we grow communities and careers. I’ve spoken to countless groups who’ve said, “I didn’t just hear your story—I saw myself in it.” That only happens when you create from a place of humility and curiosity.

Closing Thought:
In a world full of copycats and AI clones, authenticity still wins. Learn from those who came before you. Borrow their structure, remix their style, but never lose your voice. Whether you’re painting, pitching, or planning your next big idea—steal like an artist… and succeed like a pro.

What If One Afternoon Could Change a Life?
An unexpected studio visit reminded me how simple encouragement can ignite a lifelong passion.

When twelve-year-old Drew first stepped into my studio, she clung close to her dad, Eric—a proud father whose eyes sparkled as he spoke of his daughter’s budding interest in art. Though my gallery space is designed to be inviting and relaxed, I could see in her eyes the quiet intimidation that often greets something new. After all, she was walking into a space surrounded by more than sixty original works—each bursting with color, movement, and meaning.

But that’s where the story began.

With a soft drink in hand and a gentle nudge from conversation, Drew began to relax. I guided her through the various themes of my work—some rooted in familiar landscapes, others abstract and open to interpretation. The ice officially broke when I took her behind the scenes into the studio itself—where the real magic happens. Her eyes widened with wonder. She asked questions. She noticed things most people overlook. And then, with a little encouragement, she stepped up to try her hand at painting.

I handed her a brush far larger than she expected—not to overwhelm her, but to show how bold choices often unlock unexpected results. At first, she hesitated. But with a little guidance, and a quiet cheer from across the table, she began to make her mark. Between brushstrokes and sips of Coke, she came to life.

That afternoon reminded me of three timeless truths:

Three Takeaways:

Confidence is Contagious
A gentle word and an open seat at the table can shift a young person’s posture from fear to freedom. You don’t have to have all the answers—just the willingness to make room for someone else’s beginning.

Simplicity Builds Foundations
It’s easy to forget how much there is to learn in the basics. Even as professionals, returning to elementary ideas—how brushes behave, how color moves, how light plays—keeps us grounded and inspired.

Encouragement Can Redirect a Life
Sometimes the best thing we can offer isn’t instruction—it’s belief. Watching Drew’s confidence grow reminded me that one positive experience can change someone’s direction, maybe even forever.

As they prepared to leave we relived the experience. The next day, I received a message from Eric: they had already bought a ton of art supplies, and were painting together. That’s the real reward. Not just the creation of art—but the creation of confidence, connection, and the courage to keep going.

You never know what spark you’re striking when you open your studio—or your heart—to someone just beginning their journey.

“You Never Know Who’s Listening: Why Every Message Matters”

Fifteen years ago, I launched a book that was especially close to my heart—
North Carolina Beautiful, a visual journey across the state I’ve spent a lifetime capturing with brush and palette. At the time, I had a variety of speaking engagements with Associations and groups to share the inspiration behind the project. Among the attendees was Tim Tribble, who received an autographed copy. I had no idea that moment—one of many heartfelt exchanges in my career—would one day come full circle.

Just this past week, Tim—now President of the Carolinas–Virginia Telephone Accountants Association—invited me to deliver my keynote, The ART of Making a Difference, at their annual conference in Wilmington, NC. In addition to my presentation, each attendee received a signed copy of Reflections, a collaborative book I created with Ralph Marston, filled with uplifting prose and colorful artwork.

Unlike a fleeting business card or digital link, a book has the rare ability to anchor a memory. It sits on a shelf, gets passed along, and—sometimes, years later—it quietly reminds someone of the message they needed to hear. Who knows? Perhaps a decade from now, one of those books will inspire another invitation, conversation, or ripple of impact. 
That’s the beauty of perspective, purpose, and passion—the three pillars that continue to shape not only my keynotes, but my life’s work.

Perspective: You Plant Seeds, Not Timelines
We live in a world addicted to instant results—but real impact often runs on a delay. The words you share, the art you create, and the kindness you extend may rest in silence, only to bloom in someone else’s season. Tim’s invitation was living proof that even the quietest moments can circle back in powerful ways.

Purpose: Show Up with Meaning, Not Just a Message
My talk wasn’t about polished slides or rehearsed delivery—it was about meaning. The individuals in that room weren’t just accountants; they were stewards of communication, navigating change across generations. Reminding them of the difference they make wasn’t a speech—it was a mission.

Passion: Fuel the Flame, Even If No One Notices (Yet)
It would’ve been easy over the years to wonder if the talks, books, or stories made a difference. But passion doesn’t seek applause—it simply asks for perseverance. When you keep showing up with heart and intention, you’ll be ready when that one moment—the right moment—comes back around.

The stage in Wilmington wasn’t just another stop—it was a reminder of what happens when we live out our values long enough for them to return in unexpected ways. 
For meeting planners looking for more than a performance—for something lasting—consider the power of sharing a message with meaning. A book or story well-told has the unique ability to live far beyond the final applause… and sometimes, it shows up again when you least expect it. 

Brake for Squirrels—And Life Lessons

This morning, as I left my workout and turned onto Battleground Avenue—a bustling artery six lanes of Greensboro traffic—I found myself in a slow-motion moment of comedy and clarity.

A squirrel, with more courage than common sense, darted out from the sidewalk and made a run for it. I braked just in time as it zipped in front of my car. It nearly made it to safety… only to hesitate, see the oncoming traffic in the other direction and did a full U-turn mid-intersection, and ran right back in front of me again. Another brake. Another gasp. Another pivot. And then, finally, it charged across with unshakable commitment to the original goal.
As I drove off, a smirk on my face and my heart a little lighter, I couldn’t help but think—there’s a lesson in that squirrel’s frantic, fearless dash.

Three Takeaways from the Battleground Squirrel

Don’t Let Uncertainty Derail You
The squirrel nearly made it, but second-guessed the oncoming cars. How often  do we do the same? When facing resistance or uncertainty, we retreat—even if we were steps from success.  Trust the direction you’ve chosen after thoughtful consideration, and move forward.

Looking Both Ways Isn’t Just for Traffic
Preparation matters. That squirrel made  a bold move, but a little more pre-check might’ve saved it from two near-death experiences. Whether it’s launching a business, planning a new project, or navigating life changes—take time to assess the risks and lay out a smart route.

Commit to the Finish Line
Once the squirrel finally made up its mind, it ran like its life depended on it—and it did. There’s power in full commitment. Half-measures and hesitations can be dangerous. When you've charted your course, put your energy behind it and don’t look back.

Sometimes, life is taught through squirrels. That little acrobat on Battleground Avenue reminded me how easy it is to lose focus under pressure, how valuable preparation is, and how important it is to commit when you’ve made a decision. 
In a world full of distractions and detours, stay the course—because the other side might be just a few strides away.