When asked about his favorite childhood memory, Oregon artist Jim Daly stops and thinks for a moment. Not because he can’t remember one, but because there are so many.

Jim Daly (Oregon)

A Sympathetic Friend
Oil
18″ By 12″
We’ve all had a rock in our shoe at one time or another, or a sore toe that kept us from running at full speed. This boy is taking time out on a hot summer day to check things out. He doesn’t see his dog’s concern, but for us, the viewer, sometimes a dog can say more with just a look than words can ever express.

Jim Daly (Oregon)

Second Thoughts
Oil
24″ By 32″
This little boy’s two friends are egging him on and are more than ready for him to do the fighting. I can hear them now, slinging words of insult to the opponent and his supporters about the beating he’s about to get, but our guy is not quite as enthusiastic. He’s having second thoughts and wondering how he got himself into this situation and if there is a way out without losing his dignity. This painting is a little drama of my own boyhood. I hope I’ve left enough to the viewer’s imagination as to which of these boys depicts me and what the outcome turned out to be.