Surely this man was the Son of God.

Mark 15:39

This Sunday (and hopefully future Sundays), I’m featuring a painting by Allan Harbour.

Who is Allan Harbour?

Here’s an introduction via his own words:

My name is Allan Harbour, and welcome to Paintings by Allan. I’m a native of West Virginia and grew up in the very small town of Ona, WV. I attended high school at Milton High in Milton, WV, graduating in 1971. I’m the second youngest of four siblings. I’m married to a wonderful wife who I’ve known for over 50 years.

Following graduation from high school and like many young men of my age group at the time, I received my draft notice for the military. I chose to enlist in the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and served six years, which included two years of reserve duty. I served in Viet Nam, which unfortunately left many mental and physical scars. I also saw duty in Guam, Thailand, and the Netherlands, which allowed me to see much of Europe and savor many wonderful memories.

I separated from the military in 1975 and attended Marshall University in Huntington, WV, while being employed. I retired in 2015 from NAPA auto parts as a computer program and sales manager, placing management systems in various automotive and truck shops.

Once I left the military, I experienced various issues related to PTSD. At that time, PTSD was not recognized as an illness, and I received no therapeutic assistance. It also took a toll on my marriage and I divorced, but God sent me an angel in my current wife, Jennie, who is my rock. I took up oil painting in 1984 as a way to cope with the results of PTSD. I’ve never had formal training and, but for sketches like the one above, I paint in oils. I found it to be not only a good hobby, but painting gave my mind the peace it needed. However, due to family obligations, I had to give it up after two years.

When I retired, Jennie, who’d seen all my previous paintings, encouraged me to pick up the brush. Again, it was very helpful mentally but also gave me a good hobby for retirement. What began as a hobby has turned into a small income venture. I couldn’t believe that when people saw my paintings, they actually wanted to buy them!

I’m currently on display at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theater in Wytheville, Virginia, from October to December each year. Thus, I decided I needed a name for my collection and simply named them Paintings by Allan. I receive special orders from people who enjoy my work as well.

I hope you enjoy my work.

Thanks for being my guest, Allan! Allan’s work was be featured on June 14th (flag day) and again on the 4th of July. Hopefully, he’ll be sending more Christian themed sketches and paintings for future Sundays.