By Klyde Java

When Jack Hudson received an acrylic paint kit for his 40th birthday, he had no idea that it would lead to a 50-year art career.

The 90-year-old Outer Richmond resident never set out to be an artist. Born and raised in San Diego in 1934, Hudson said he was not the typical well-behaved child. He described himself as a “pretty bad juvenile delinquent” during this early period of his life.

“(The police) didn’t arrest me for any particular thing. They called it ‘beyond parental control,’” he said.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Hudson moved to San Francisco in 1959. He took up a plethora of odd jobs before meeting his partner, Emilia Tan. The couple raised Emilia’s son, Arthur.

Hudson began his painting career in 1981 while working as a live-in caretaker in Pacific Heights. Every summer, he had the house to himself whenhis employers went on vacation.

“The family did a lot of traveling every summer. They went traveling all over the world,” he said.

Hudson’s work from this period ranges from homages to famous artists like Matisse to experimental portraits. He has also used his artistic skills to decorate household items such as desks, dressers, chairs and even a violin.

One technique he pioneered was the use of found objects. Hudson’s “wire paintings” depict bundles of tarnished copper coils in various abstract positions. The bending and posture of the copper trigger ideas of a ballet dancer. Many of these materials were found during his daily strolls around the neighborhood.

“When I go for a walk, I find around certain sites with a lot of junk. You can see different things in it that you can paint,” he said.

Despite having the reputation around the Richmond District of being “Jack the Painter,” most of Hudson’s work is hidden from the public. A self-described “terrible introvert,” Hudson said he feels too shy to share his canvases with the world, but he eventually hopes to formally display them.

Hudson turns 91 in June, and he has already made plans of what to do with his work after he passes. Whether his large collection of paintings and other artwork ends up being sold or exhibited, Hudson knows at least one person will enjoy his work. On his desk sits an envelope marked, “please notify Arthur,” a letter to the man whom Hudson helped raise, which contains instructions on what to do with his paintings.

“I know (Arthur’s) wife likes this stuff,” he said. “She likes this a lot. She thinks I’ve accomplished a lot by painting. She even wants me to be an instructor for her two little daughters. If they want to auction all this off and then use the money to tidy up a playground somewhere. That’s OK too. It’ll end up in somebody’s home anyway.”

To contact Jack Hudson about his artwork, reach out via email at jackhudson925@yahoo.com.