Most folks look forward to retirement, spending leisurely days doing just as they like --  or, absolutely, nothing at all.  For retired minister John "Jack" V. Carlson, time now is better spent in a secluded corner of the basement of his Harford County home reviving a long-lived passion for painting. 

"Lighthouses and Landscapes," now on exhibit at the Presbytery of Baltimore's gallery, features 19 paintings by Rev. Carlson. The paintings capture t ranquil landscapes, majestic lighthouses and other still-life subjects in oil paint on canvas -- many of them completed in only the last few years. An enthusiast of various art forms, Rev. Carlson said he enjoyed drawing as a youth and even took a few courses in college.  But a fter answering a call to  ministry, the work of the church became the minister's focus; although, he continued to sing in chorales, write books and play the guitar. After serving 42 years in the pastorate -- the last 13 spent shepherding the congregation of Highland Presbyterian Church in Harfor d County

-- Rev. Carlson retired.

"As I was contemplating what I might do in my retirement somewhere along the line it came to me: painting. I didn't hear any voices or anything but this is one of the times that you might think that the spirit is nudging you. So I signed up for an oil painting class at Harford Community College and found that I had at least enough ability to keep going . . . who knew?"

Rev. Carlson contends that painting has an inherent sense of  spirituality that provides a form of self-ministry .   "I tend to be pretty intense and often impatient, eager to get things done. Oil painting forces you to be patient. You can't hurry it or you'll ruin it. And, if you make a mistake you can redo it, paint over it - there's also a lot of forgiveness there," Rev. Carlson explained.

Now Rev. Carlson spends several days a week painting in his basement studio, dubbed his "man cave." He paints with subtle, muted tones that show well in scenes of

	Hurricane Arthur  by Jack Carlson

landscapes, forest paths, waterways, flower collages and lighthouses - statuesque figures that feature prominently in the exhibit. Rev. Carlson said he is drawn to the compelling images of lighthouses and has visited a number of sites along the East Coast.  "They're functional as well as beautiful," he said. "They carry a sense that somebody's out there looking out for you. I think it's the symbolism of light houses as a point of hope -- a light in the dark, dangerous night."

Of all his paintings, Rev. Carlson said his favorite is always the one he is working on. "I think that's what I really find reassuring about painting, that you produce something that's going to last. As long as someone cares enough about it to hang it up somewhere, it will always be there to enjoy."

"Lighthouses and Landscapes" by John "Jack" V. Carlson will be featured at the Presbytery of Baltimore's Art Gallery through April 2017.