I think of it somewhat as advanced finger painting for adults. It’s supposed to be fun.”

James Douglas Draper ‘69 will unveil his latest creative watercolor exhibit at the Humanities Art Center on the 4th Floor of the Academic Building at Kettering University during Homecoming Weekend on May 15 from 8-9 a.m.

Draper graduated from Kettering University with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He worked for General Motors until he retired in the early 2000s after which he began experimenting with his own painting technique.

“The main difference between what I did as an engineer and what I do now is I get to add color and lots of it,” Draper said. “I think of it somewhat as advanced finger painting for adults. It’s supposed to be fun.”

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Creative watercolor or ink pour is a water-based abstract process where primarily inks, watercolors or acrylics are placed onto a suitable substrate such as canvas or paper and then placed onto the wetted surface to leave a monoprint. The resulting piece is dependent on gravity, chance and tilt dictate.  

“The results from the ink pour process are always a surprise,” Draper said. “The hardest part when you have an interesting configuration is to give the piece time to setup.”

In 2009, Draper began exhibiting at fairs and events across Michigan, winning several first place or best of show awards.Since 2011, he has been giving private lessons on his creative water color technique out of his home studio.

Alumni and students who attend the opening reception will have the opportunity to win one of two $15.00 gift cards to Panera Bread. Continental breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. followed by artist’s remarks at 8:30 a.m.

The public is welcome to visit the reception and exhibition. Viewings from Monday to Friday can be coordinated by contacting Regina Schreck, rschreck@kettering.edu.