A painting of Usain Bolt by former 400-metre runner Norman Lumsden.

Norman Lumsden might not have made it as a 400 metres runner; however, he continues to make strides with his paintbrush and still has eyes following his every move.

Arts & Education caught up with Lumsden at the recently held Old Harbour Expo in St Catherine.

"I've won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission art competition on more than one occasion, therefore, I think that I am doing well and really enjoy the end results of my efforts so far,'' Lumsden said.

The self-taught artist said he got inspiration to start painting from his late grandfather - in a dream. He said his grandfather revealed to him that he could use his paintbrush to make a living, and that has proven true so far.

Lumsden

"I am a former national (track) representative; however, my career was cut short by injuries. My batch included Donald Quarrie, Desmond Hunter and Bertland Cameron. I was even invited by Bob Heyman to train abroad but that is another story," Lumsden said, looking off in the distance.

Among his pieces that hold special meaning to him are a painting of Usain Bolt, the old May Pen Police Station, the Old Harbour Square and the Bodles Research Station.

At 50 years old, Lumsden said that the paintbrush has changed his life. He said he has found new meaning and purpose, which at one time seemed unimaginable.

"The brush helps me express myself totally and there are no greater feelings that I can describe. For 30 years now the brush, paint and canvas continue to make me happy, so there is no stopping now.''

So even though he still boasts of his personal best of 48.9 seconds over the quarter mile, he intends to better this with his painting, by making people happy.