Local Wallpaper Hanger and Paint Contractor Turns Artist

Though hanging wallpaper and painting enormous one-color walls with the occasional embellishment or two is not quite the same as turning a blank canvas into a piece of art, the two crafts still go hand in hand. That is for my dad, Ernie Tidwell, anyway who currently has his artwork featured in the New Artworks Gallery located in the Old Fair Oaks village.

As a child I can remember my dad often doodling for me fun characters like Fred and Wilma from the Flinstone’s, my favorite Disney character, Goofy, or his unique surfer dudes that usually were on the hairy side almost resembling some kind of primate.

Not only was I always impressed with his fun scribbles, I also was proud to be the daughter of a wallpaper hanger and paint contractor.

When I was young, my mom and I would often visit him on site maybe to bring him some lunch but usually just to see him in action on the job. It was both intriguing and scary to see how high up on a ladder he would climb to reach the top of the walls and ceilings. My favorite memory was a huge home he painted. In the little girl’s room he created a scene on her ceiling of puffy clouds that made me feel (her too, I’m sure) like a princess.

Many years into his profession and all the climbing up and down ladders took its toll on my dad’s knees. About a few years ago he ended up needing a double knee replacement, which put him out of commission and on his back for quite some time. Throughout his healing my dad found comfort and entertainment in painting pictures. He began by looking at other artists work and also simply by searching through photos he liked on the computer for inspiration. The music studio that he built in our garage years ago was turned into his nook for painting pictures and the rest is history, still in the making of course.

With no professional training my dad has amazed our family, friends and myself with his natural gift. Living here in town for more than 20 years now it was a surprise to learn about the art gallery right down the street. It didn’t take long after my dad was in contact with the gallery that his work was accepted to be one of the featured artists.

His pieces are available for viewing and purchase during regular hours at the New Artworks Gallery, which also participates in Second Saturday. The gallery not only displays a variety of paintings but also carries hand-made pottery, ceramics, glass, steel sculptor, jewelry and hand painted scarves. I encourage you to come on in and take a look around!

For a preview of Ernie's art work click on the link provided: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDicmQ_ema8&feature=youtu.be.