This brings back memories! It's a little watercolor I did in 1980, back when I was taking drawing and painting courses at Coastline Community College (and later at Orange Coast College) in the evenings after work. I found those carefree classes a welcome distraction and a godsend during a difficult time in my life. The instructor was Helen A. Prothers. She was an amazing artist herself, having been a professional fashion illustrator for most of her adult life, and later did technical drawings for anatomy books. Her passion for travel and adventure took her all around the world, filled her sketch books and influenced her colorful, detailed paintings; depictions of the favorite places she had visited. Teaching these classes enhanced her spare time after "retirement" and kept her from being lonely, I think, for she never married and had no close family that I knew of. Recently, I found this painting along with others, and the well-worn teaching manual she used. It was at the bottom of a box of artwork and stuff I'd thought had been lost. It was quite a thrill to see all this again. And the teachings, with so many fun and informative lessons. Lessons that can be shared with my daughters, who also like to dabble with brushes and paint.
These paintings (and dozens more) were done as objects of study encompassing spherical forms, opaque fruits, conical shapes, wood grain, shiny textures, working out complementary and analogous colorations, veining of leaves, and various techniques.
Often, as I fussed over a painting trying to achieve some sort of unattainable perfection, Helen would patiently come over and reassure me that things were going in the right direction and to just keep going. She was a marvelous teacher and graciously shared all her tricks of the trade. I was grateful for that and learned a lot under her direction. Being older and wiser, I think she enjoyed having a younger person to mentor. One day, we ran into each other at the local market and discovered that we lived within walking distance of each other. After that, we became neighborly friends, dropping in on one another from time to time. She would show me her latest painting or an idea for one, inspired from the beets she'd pulled up from her garden that morning, or the mocking bird she saw sitting on a fencepost. I was fascinated by her. Helen could find inspiration anywhere, in anything and taught me how to see things that are often overlooked in the common everyday experience and turn it into art. Hence, my little red watering can. Not much on its own, but a worthy subject of study I suppose. Funny that I should still possess both; the painting and the watering can, after all these years. And...as it turns out, just the thing for my June Bonus designs. Summer is right around the corner and I'm ready!
Thank you for sharing your story about your teacher and friend. I loved it. Your paintings are so sweet and charming. I've been enjoying your embroidery patterns and appreciate you sharing with us all these fun projects.
I also went to Orange Coast College back in the early 70's. I can't remember my favorite teachers name but the class was Oceanography. Good times.
Posted by: Janis | June 01, 2012 at 01:41 PM
Lovely story, and your paintings are just charming. I love the fruit ones. Thanks so much for sharing the story and the artwork.
Posted by: Mrs.T | June 01, 2012 at 02:34 PM
Your paintings are truly lovely and deserve to be displayed:) I also loved the story that went with them.
Posted by: Angela | June 01, 2012 at 04:07 PM
Such a sweet post Vicki. I love your use of color in your artwork :) How fun.
Smiles, DianeM
Posted by: DianeM | June 01, 2012 at 05:18 PM
What a charming story of your teacher and friend. I enjoyed reading it so much and I'm so glad that you found your treasures for they are surely that. Love the little orange watering can and your drawing of it is delightful.
Posted by: Vee | June 01, 2012 at 07:34 PM
Dear Vicki, How sweet it is for you to share a part of your history. I love your paintings, and your story. How wonderful it is you found your treasures from the past. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Velma | June 02, 2012 at 09:57 AM
If I were such an artist as you I would have all of these framed and on my walls.
Posted by: Carla | June 02, 2012 at 04:45 PM
I too think these are deserving of frames. They're so colorful and pretty, and would look wonderful displayed all together.
You are an inspiration, Vicki, and so talented. I wonder sometimes, if you truly realize how much of a difference you make with the thoughts that you share.
I've always wanted to draw and paint, and have wondered if it can be taught, or do you really have to have some talent to begin with? Sometimes I think back to times past, when ladies seemed to draw and watercolor in their journals, and did nature studies. I've always been drawn to that thought. I'm not very good at drawing, but maybe, I'll try again.
xo
Posted by: Account Deleted | June 03, 2012 at 11:01 AM
I think there's a touch of Tausha Tudor in you :)
Posted by: Bridgette | June 03, 2012 at 06:55 PM
What a charming part of your life you have so generously shared. Thank you so much! What fun that you found it after having thiught it had disappeared. Your art is really lovely and I agree that you should frame it and display it as a group.
Do you know what happened to your instructor/mentor/ friend? That would be fun to know too, wouldn't it?
Thanks again.
Posted by: Batb | June 05, 2012 at 08:16 AM
Oh, how wonderful! You are so very talented and in so many ways!
I love your blog...with all it's cheery posts and red checks!
Blessings,
Carolynn
Happy Rednesday!
Posted by: grammycarolynn..."Chenille Cottage" Blog | June 06, 2012 at 02:12 PM
I just love this place on the internet. It makes me so happy and cheery ;)
Both of those colleges are down the street from me-and I went to CCC!
Posted by: Rachel Reeves | June 08, 2012 at 07:47 AM