Timothy K Lewis is a self-taught artist. He reminisces about coloring and loving to draw at a very early age.

In his early to mid-teens, Timothy began to paint human profiles including body builders, rock ‘n’ roll legends/themes and the logo for the CEO of Little General Stores chain of Central California, selling most of his work through the age of 18.

He stopped painting when he went on to play football at San Francisco State. He left SFS and became an unlicensed professional boxer for nine years working with world champions and later joined the California Highway Patrol in 1983.

He moved to Los Angeles where he continued boxing and patrolled the streets of East L.A. Timothy retired from the CHP in 2003 and started a very successful Law Enforcement Training Business called LCI Services. He developed the first realistic training program in rolling surveillance, undercover field work, and chop shop investigations.

The Influence Was Always Present

Timothy has always maintained his love for art and frequently visited art festivals and museums throughout his life. He has studied 19^th and 20^th Century American and Russian history for about 30 years.

His passion for the old west began as a small child watching old western movies with his dad. He has had the opportunity to visit many of the historical sites studied.

He is particularly fascinated with 19^th century American history:

• The Native American Wars: Apache, Sioux, and Comanche
• The Civil War
• The Lincoln County Wars
• Old West Outlaws and Lawmen

Light Coming Forth From Darkness

In 2011, Timothy attended an art festival in Santa Fe, NM, after going through a dark time and was inspired by the work of several artists. He knew, although 35 years had passed without a brush in his hands, he wanted to start painting again.

It was then he began to paint what he loved for so many years – the history of the Old West and Civil War in its current landscape today. “The Three Spirit Chiefs of the Chiricahua Mountains” in 2011 was his first completed raw painting since returning. His medium of choice is oil on canvas.

Timothy’s paintings depict the current landscape of areas that were part of great American history and conflict, with war and historical relevance from the 19^th century. He tries to keep the scenery and hues true to life, giving the impression one is visiting the historic landmark.

He divulged, “I paint those areas of the old west that were part of the American frontier and great battles, as they appear now, peaceful and without conflict. I do not include people in my paintings. Painting these sites are not only about the current beauty and its spiritual feeling, but also the historical value, peace after so much violence, and their relevance to America. It’s about the history and preserving those sites because they are so important to America’s development. I feel connected with them.”

“I have grown (within myself and artistically) since that first painting, which brought peace during a very dark time in my life. It was therapy with pleasant results. I continued to grow in my art and my life since that special and spiritual painting. With art, I compete with nobody but myself. I am truly inspired by many artists, and have a love and respect for their accomplishments. The glory belongs to God, who guides me in life and my art work.”

Timothy concluded, “I hope to continue to paint as long as God allows. I am blessed.”