I began drawing at age 3. The family Bible contained artwork by Da Vinci, El Greco and the other great Masters. The elongated figures of El Greco fascinated me from the start and I attempted to copy many of the paintings. Fortunately, none of these drawings have survived, as far as I know, but the groundwork was laid.

My parents always encouraged me to pursue this talent, but I resisted with a rebellious zeal while I pursued my many other interests. During all these pursuits, I constantly returned to drawing as both a release, and frequently, a way to pay bills. At some point along the way, my artwork became freelance illustration and mural painting. To make a long story short, it grew to be a larger and larger part of my life and, with my irrational fear of having a “real job”, it was “Eureka!” time: This would be my “unreal” job. I’ll be a painter!

It was at this point I began kicking myself for not listening to my parents. Always listen to your parents. I was 35 years old and just starting a career well known to be a financial wasteland.

Galleries wouldn’t touch me then, because I was experimenting with different styles. Most of my paintings looked as if different artists had painted them, which is a no-no with them. They want a recognizable “style” that says “Lyden.” I didn’t have it then. I did finally get there and had my first “one-man show” at the Gertsev Gallery in Atlanta. It was a double coup for me, since I was the first American artist allowed to have a show there. It’s a russian gallery, but they were so intrigued with the subject matter of the show (a human-powered wing) that they allowed me in.

I now have collectors in Atlanta, Nashville, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Chicago, LA, Miami, New York and Washington D.C.