Every portrait has a story. And Arthur Blanchard has hundreds of both. The Lakewood resident has been sketching and painting ever since he can remember and can tell you the tale that goes with each of his pieces. Blanchard is a retired attorney who paints just for the love of art. Several years back, he took some art classes at SMU and El Centro, and though he has undeniable natural talent, Blanchard says the classes helped him paint more exactly. “I’d recommend to anyone who’s the least bit interested to take a class in drawing,” he says. “It helps you see more carefully and quickly.” Blanchard’s collection of portraits includes mostly friends and family members. Though many artists shy away from depicting people, Blanchard chose this subject for a simple reason: “I like people, and I like painting people,” he says. He is interested in all kinds of people, and since he doesn’t always have a model to pose for him, he goes out and finds subjects to paint. When he sees an interesting person, he sketches them quickly in a small sketchpad. “I ride the bus a lot for that purpose,” he says. “I hope the people aren’t aware of what I’m doing. They’d probably get nervous.” —BETHANY POLLER

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For information about Blanchard’s art, call him at 214.327.5478.