While many have struggled with staying productive, creative, or even simply active while shuttered away in quarantine, revered local artist Tom Rutledge has kept his brushes busy as ever.

“For a lot of people, to sit down and make a painting, they have to have a feeling for it,” he explained. “And I have that feeling all the time.”

As a professional illustrator for many years, Rutledge is accustomed to keeping busy. “When you don’t (practice), it’s harder for you,” he said, explaining he always keeps three projects going at the same time.

During quarantine, one major project was a painting commissioned by Rutledge’s son, Boose (known by locals as the…