My Art Teachers

My father was my first art teacher. Skilled with graphics, color and composition, he taught Color Theory to tradesmen. He was an interior designer by profession. As a family, we went to art museums in Los Angeles where Dad taught us about color combinations, where pigments came from, what artists were trying to achieve, plus he asked our opinions on how we thought the artists succeeded. We were encouraged to make gifts and cards for special occasions rather than buying them.  I was only in Kindergarten when he showed me how color changes as raw umber and raw sienna become burnt umber and burnt sienna from heat.  My crayon box at school had only six colors.

First, I loved photography and worked on composition. In college I was an Art History major which is basically the history of mankind through art. But I had no desire to work in art galleries and was overwhelmed with art historians talking about artists' motivations.

In my mid-50s I took my first art class.  Many classes later I found Geri Bartlett (Capitola Parks and Rec) whose classes I attended for years in the evening after work. After I retired, I was blessed to be mentored by Jane Bernham who lovingly taught me many skills I was missing. I owe a lot to both of them.

During COVID lockdown, I found Robert Dvorak's on-line classes. He's inspired me to lighten up, loosen up and smile as I put my brush to paper. Watercolor is a complex skill. Learning just keeps going ....

All in Pink  8x10

Matted, unframed $165

Saint Mark's 7x7

Framed $130

On the Savannah 10x12

Framed $375

Tourists NFS

Standing in Line 5x8

Framed $90