Maria

many thanks,
Alex

I was in walt whitman 85-87 – the quiet indian girl, terribly out-of-place, except in C-109, where i felt more like myself than i had ever felt before, anywhere! I loved to paint but ended up studying graphic design. Have had my fill of it and am currently making the slow journey back to centre. I still carry around with me the feeling that painting is my calling, the place i must return to. Mr.B, after your talk of a guilt-complex, I’m thinking is this ‘calling’ or is it just GuiltC-109?!

The thing i agree with most is the struggle most of us, your students, have had in recreating the magic of that time and place. The combination of youth, inclination, camaraderie and the guidance of a generous master – i am grateful for the experience and know that i must give back in some way – in order to complete the circle, if only in my own head :)

So I have grabbed for myself a ‘virtual’ lesson from this interview. I’ve decided to demonstrate ‘utmost belief in my personal ideas’ – as counselled by you. Would appreciate being in touch with a virtual community, as i make my way forward (looking fondly backward) as an artist.

With thanks and gratitude,
Roma

Twenty-six years ago I left what had been the sigularly most important place in my life – your art studio at Whitman. Gladly, I have discovered equally important places in the ensuing years, but I often think about you and your influence fondly.

As your student I was surrounded by many talented and ambitious teenagers, but while it took me many years to achieve what I felt was a successfull painting, your teaching methods early on led me to believe that the day would eventually come.

Can you believe that as an artist now I still struggle with whether or not you would approve of my work?! Neither traditional in imagery or concept, it is nontheless influenced by your teaching. In fact, your “thumnail sketch” became the base for all my mature paintings and sculpture, which is made quickly, left rough, devoid of much color, and is small in scale.

Glad to say that I have had commercial success with much of what I’ve made. I teach now and then too, though not professionally, but always start out with some version of my first lessons with you.

So glad to have come across this site, and to hear about your continuing influence.

Fondly,

Leni

I am happy about your advice that different methods complement one another.

I introduced Karl to drawing 3-D when he was tiny. He was fond of drawing trains driving from the right to the left on his easel. One day, I added a street light in front of his train and Karl had a fit. “Mom, the light cuts through the train”. “No, Karl, the light is in front of the train.” Karl fought hard but then suddenly caught on. It was a special moment. From then on, we drew trains that started in the foreground and became smaller as they disappeared into the distance. Karl continued drawing while I became distracted with other activities.

Never too late to change. Thank you for your offer to stay in touch.

I find it interesting, especially because rooms are angular. I feel the corner deepens the space of a painting and could work with photography as well.