VALDOSTA – “You paint what you are. You paint what you feel,” artist Vincent Keesee said. 

While writers utilize words to convey narratives, Keesee uses his paintings.

The 84-year-old said he paints to express himself; and though his work is intended for an audience, he does not paint for others.

His latest paintings are on display at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts. 

Thirty-two works tell Keesee’s stories.

The artist’s tale begins as a young boy in the first grade.

Keesee would draw in his school books, which teachers noticed.

“They needed help with their bulletin boards so I used to be called on all the time to draw on bulletin boards,” he said.

Years later, Keesee became an art student at Richmond Professional Institute, now Virginia Commonwealth University, according to his biography.

While working in graphic art and design in Atlanta following graduation, he studied at the High Museum of Art, Keesee’s bio states.

Keesee received a master’s degree in fine art from the University of Georgia and later an art history doctorate from UGA, according to his bio.

The artist characterized his works as optimistic adding they’re usually humorous. He does both watercolor and oil painting.

“My paintings exist for themselves,” Keesee said.

His biography states the subjects in his pieces come from his surroundings and shows influences of music and spiritual roots.

Keesee has had four art exhibits in Valdosta throughout his career.

“I’ve got a lot of good friends in Valdosta and I love to come down and show my paintings and get their reaction,” he said.

He has also been featured in Moultrie, Albany and Tifton, he said, deeming himself a regional artist.

He is flattered when his work is viewed and when people find it enjoyable.

Keesee’s current display, “A Southerner’s Reflections,” is in the Sallie and Harmon Boyette and Margaret Mittiga galleries at the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, 527 N. Patterson St., through July 24.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.