"Upon separation from military service, I found myself at an existential null point. After sampling courses in various departments at the university, for personal reasons I chose art. I appreciated its physical nature, and its ability to produce an immediate tangible result. Discouraged from painting representationally, I left school determined to pursue art independently. I began a long sojourn of many and various occupations, all the while maintaining a studio and continuing to paint.
In the beginning I faced categorical rejection by grant committees and competition jurors, and without access to commercial galleries, I began to recognize the challenge. Here, in what was an art-shy small southern city, I resolved to paint the same way until my art became ‘visible,’ sometime in the future, I just didn’t know when. Times have changed, Lexington has changed, and now that I’m down to my last couple of canvases, I greatly appreciate this opportunity to have the work seen." Clay Wainscott 2025
In the beginning I faced categorical rejection by grant committees and competition jurors, and without access to commercial galleries, I began to recognize the challenge. Here, in what was an art-shy small southern city, I resolved to paint the same way until my art became ‘visible,’ sometime in the future, I just didn’t know when. Times have changed, Lexington has changed, and now that I’m down to my last couple of canvases, I greatly appreciate this opportunity to have the work seen." Clay Wainscott 2025
