After his father died, Oxford resident Sam Wiscombe needed something that would become his ‘therapy? through the hard time.
He ended up falling into something he’s very passionate about, and something that brings joy to others ? oil painting.
Wiscombe, a language arts teacher at Oxford Middle School, recently placed 3rd in the Orion Art Center’s Michigan Portrait Show for a painting, titled ‘Children’s Garden,? of his daughters, Madeleine, 7, and Ava, 2.
Eighty-seven pieces of local art were on display until Saturday, Oct. 13.
Juror Kathleen Van Ella said she was ‘moved by the magical feeling that this painting evoked.?
‘It’s nice to get some recognition for it,? Wiscombe said, noting he’s only been oil painting for two years. ‘It sort of legitimizes everything and gives me a little inspiration to continue.?
Being a busy father and teacher, Wiscombe said he tends to do his best artwork late at night.
‘I paint after (the kids) go to bed until 3 or 4 a.m. on weekends,? he said. ‘During the week, until maybe midnight.?
After the show ends at the Orion Art Center, Wiscombe’s painting will be on display at the Orion Township Offices (2525 Joslyn Rd.).