Strokes of genius: Tim Jackson and Lois Collins communicate via art, at the Morristown library

Those of us born lefty spend our whole lives trying to get it right.

So Tim Jackson’s achievement is quite impressive. Well north of 60, he became a southpaw, re-taught himself to draw, and now churns out fiery pastel creations to inspire other stroke victims.

“It’s very good therapy,” the former Morristown councilman said of his art, which is on display through March 1, 2015, at the Morristown & Township Library.

Jackson is sharing the spotlight at the F.M. Kirby Gallery with Lois Collins, known for years as the “Artist on the Green,” sketching anyone with the patience to pose for a few minutes on the Morristown Green.

At 79, Collins gets around these days with a walker; she said she had a little stroke, too.

“The only thing I do quick is draw. I move slow,” Collins said this month, at a reception for the show.

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Collins, who lives in Morris Plains, studied fashion illustration and dress design at the Traphagen School of Design in New York,  and also studied at the New School.  She once had a dress-making business; portrait sketching became a passion for her when her son was young.

Judges from Superior Court in Morristown were among Collins’ subjects.  Over the years, the former Morristown resident has continued taking her sketch pad to the Green.  At last fall’s Festival on the Green, she recounted a bit ruefully, only one person took the time to pose for her.

A Collins painting of Morristown patriots is in the collection of the library’s North Jersey History & Genealogy Center. And it was Collins who suggested to library staff that Jackson should be included in this exhibition.

It seemed like a natural fit, said library Assistant Director Chad Leinaweaver.  After all, Jackson’s mother Katherine was a longtime member of the Friends of the Library. She even authored Golden Books such as Saggy Baggy Elephant and The Little Eskimo.

And Jackson’s artwork — pre- and post-illness — is eye-catching, irrespective of family ties.

Before a 2012 stroke impaired his speech, hobbled his mobility and weakened his right side, Jackson churned out vibrant scenes of ancient Egypt, in watercolors, oils and ornate wood carvings.

His new works are wild, untamed explorations that hint of Tim Burton channeling Vincent Van Gogh.

A graduate of the Pratt Institute, Jackson once worked for the renowned photographer Bert Stern.

More recently, Jackson had an IT consulting business. He was musical, too, jumping behind a drum kit at Festival Earth on the Green a few years ago. As a councilman from the First Ward, he championed rent control.

Since his stroke, Jackson has exhibited his art at the Morris County Library. One of his works, Self Portrait of Stroke, was created for a stroke-awareness event.

While conceding “it’s very different” being a left-hander, Jackson, 66, is grateful for the chance.

“Right away I got into it,” he said, searching for the words.  Speaking has become laborious; art serves as his voice.  And, he hopes, his meal ticket.

“I can’t do anything else now,” he said.