"I can't imagine living without being able to paint," Allaire said.
Allaire began painting as a child, developing what he describes as a lifelong love of art and artists. Over the years, he has worked in a variety of styles and mediums, including acrylics.
"With this kind of medium, I'm using acrylic, you can use it like watercolor," he said.
Allaire joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953 at the age of 16 and eventually rose to the rank of staff sergeant.
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Reflecting on his service, he spoke proudly about his time in uniform.
"Pardon the expression, but I was a bad ass Marine when I was in the Marine Corps," Allaire said. "And I loved the Marine Corps."
His commanding officers soon noticed his artistic talent, assigning him to paint everything from signs to footlockers while stationed in Japan.
"The officers knew I knew how to paint, so I spent a lot of time painting footlockers with pagodas and bridges," he said.
Allaire spent 13 years in the Marines, traveling and taking in scenes that later inspired his artwork.
He eventually returned home to Atascadero, though his painting slowed over the decades.
Two years ago, after moving into the Fresno Veterans Home, Allaire rekindled his passion for art.
"It's like the Lord's given me this blessing and finally I'm getting to use it," he said.
His private room is filled with his paintings and Western artwork. One corner serves as his art studio, stocked with brushes, canvases, oil paints and an easel.
Using those tools, Allaire created a large painting of the Veterans Home that will soon be displayed inside the facility.
"That took me, oh, what, couple months?," he said.
Despite his age and fading eyesight, Allaire says he remains committed to painting and sharing his work with others.
"The Lord didn't start me painting again to make money off my paintings. He made to give joy to other people and that's what I try to do," he said.
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