Whiskey Painters

4×5 inch
masterpieces
paints
were carried
in a small
Anacin tin
folding brush
completed
the ensemble

table in the bar
the painter’s
brush dipped in
a half-full
shot glass
Jameson
won’t mind
for art’s sake

vibrant colors
brushed on
honeyed with
aged Irish
Kentucky
or Tennessee
little masterpieces
exchanged

We’re all
welcome to try
Whiskey-colored
masterpieces
landscapes
portraits
abstracts
sounds pretty
daunting so I
guess I won’t
be flaunting
much

–LE

Whiskey Painters of America (WPA) is a closed, exclusive organization. And no, I’m not a member. Turns out you have to be sponsored by an existing member. Their bylaws only permit 150 active members (according to their website). Turns out it really is a matter of who you know, and not what… But, I have been to a few of their exhibitions (traveling shows) and there are some truly amazing miniature paintings to be seen in them.