Welcome to the home of Second Chance Art, a website focused on the collected works of David Linn Arnold. David is too modest to say some of the things that need to be said about him. So, as his wife, I’ve put this all together for him.

David is a gifted artist. He believes that his artistic ability came as a direct gift from God and that it is his second chance at life. He was retired on disability, living a life centered on managing the constant and intense pain of Post Polio, when it was suggested that he try art. He was fifty-eight before he ever picked up a brush. Now we can’t get him to put the brushes down. After that he only had a handful of lessons.

We have been told that David is one of the finest primitive artists in America. I believe that’s true. All of his artwork is beautiful. His drawings practically compete with photographs, and his carvings and sculptures are fascinating. But now that he has discovered painting, that’s all he wants to do.

The ravages of Post Polio took so much away from David: his strength – he was a weight-lifter; his ability to work – he had a wonderful career; his ability to think & talk – he was in Mensa and a noted public speaker; and his joy – it ‘s hard to be happy when you’re in intense pain.

But God replaced it with something much better. God gave David painting. He gets up every morning thinking about painting & happy that he will get to work on a canvas again. He goes to sleep every night, thinking about what he wants to paint next. Some days the Post Polio wins and he is simply unable to paint at all. Some days he can only paint for a few minutes. Some days he has to rest every few minutes to continue.

Regardless of which kind of day it is, however, David is smiling and happy. He loves painting. He breaks out in laughter every time someone buys one of his paintings. When he can get the address of the buyer, he writes him a brief note. He wants to tell him how much he loves that painting, and he wants to thank him.

David’s art career has been meteoric. I can’t believe how far he has come and how quickly he has reached this point. Less than two years ago, the kids and I bought David paints and brushes for Father’s Day. Now, he barely keeps up with the demand for his art.

Part of David never grew up. He still has the joy of a child. I think you’ll see that in his work. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Betsy Arnold