Blog post by Reed S. from Washington, DC.
Last year I introduced you to Carlton, a 45-year-old homeless man who took up painting a few years ago and discovered an untapped talent.
Carlton working on a new painting on Wednesday. (photo: Reed)
Yesterday I was walking around the west side of the traffic circle at Dupont Circle where I found Carlton in the exact same location I found him last summer. Sweat beading down his forehead, he greeted me with an upbeat hello. “Everything is cheap. Really cheap,” he told me. I reminded him who I was and he claimed to remember meeting me although I am not sure.
He reminded me why he chose this location to do his paintings. “I used to panhandle right here and now I want all those people who knew me then to see what I am doing now!”
Having not seen him much lately I asked if he had started painting someplace else. He explained that he had been down in Norfolk,VA helping with his mother who is struggling with diabetes.
Sitting on the concrete sidewalk, just feet away from some leftover puddles from a mid-afternoon shower, Carlton started to work on a clean canvas. “I painted a parrot today!” he blurted out. “I’ve never painted animals before.” I prefer his landscapes.
Carlton, who battles HIV, stays healthy by walking and biking throughout the city. “I’m staying over near Gallaudet University now and ride my bike all the way over here.” That’s about 30 blocks and in this heat it’s easier said than done.
He seems to turn into Bob Ross and starts painting happy bushes and trees. “I ran out of black paint,” he told me as he used a piece of sponge to smear a terracotta colored horizon.
Always working the crowd, Carlton is keenly aware of when the eyes of passersby focus on his work. “I’m Carlton, the homeless artist,” he says in his raspy voice. “They’re all very inexpensive.” She’s silent and he goes back to putting in some trees on his newest work. “Talk to me,” he says grinning and hoping she will make an offer on one of the half-dozen paintings that surround him.
I shove a few dollars in his cup and shake his slippery hand. “Now you tell your wife (I’m not married by the way) that you didn’t fall in the mud, you tell her you shook Carlton the homeless painter’s hand!”
You can see video of Carlton from my first visit by clicking here.
Year of Giving 
My friends and I met Carlton last August (2010) in Dupont Circle, and he inspired us all with his talent and positive attitude. I was amazed when this article came up after a seemingly hopeless Google search! Do you know any way in which we can get in contact with him?
Hi Sophia….I’m assuming you and Jenny are friends 🙂 I will be in touch via email with you and hopefully we can connect you and Carlton! -Reed
Oh, my goodness! I met Carlton last year when I was exploring the city with some friends. He told us his story and showed us his painting–so incredible! We wanted to go back to visit, but could never find him when we returned to look for him. Is there any way to contact him?
Hi Jenny! I’m glad you have met Carlton – interesting guy. I might be able to connect you guys…I’ll send you a separate email. -Reed
I hang on my hallway wall proudly a landscape painting that Carlton did for me in 2009. Our interaction will never be forgot. He is so genuine and personable. Just like Sophia, I was amazed to find your blog after doing a google search for Carlton. This is amazing to see how many people he has touched. Is there anything we can do for this lovely talent?
I want to know if there is any way we can improve his situation. I have no idea if he is content with his life and does not need intervention (more power to him) but I feel that we all need to pay it forward. And if I am going to invest in something, I would invest in Carlton!
Anyway, thanks for sharing your story Reed. Its amazing what one man can do (you for sharing this, and Carlton for sharing his life with so many).
Best,
Alek Bartrosouf
Hi Alek! Thanks for dropping by. I am glad you have also had a chance to meet Carlton. It’s been a while since I have seen him. I’ve asked him if he needed things in the past and the only thing I recall him asking for is some paint – very specific paint that he can’t get very often. In 2012 I will be focusing on helping those on my Lend a Hand program and I will reach out to Carlton and see if there is something more we can do for him. If so, I will be sure to let you and others know. -Reed