Thursday, December 16, 2010

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Bill

Yesterday I caught news that Pacific Northwest artist, and arguably the best teacher back at the Art Institute of Seattle, William Cumming passed away at the age of 93.  This is how I remember him ; he was constantly in his sketchbook and he loved working with young people!  I'd stay after class and he'd share his enthusiasm for Degas, Turner, Renoir with me.  He'd always mention that he wanted his students to build the confidence to someday have their work hang right alongside those masters.

Find out more about Bill's life and work here!

"Fine art is a war, I hate fine art with all its fuss and crap. Fine art students are brought up in a spirit of contempt for people. Of course I paint for the market. So did Rembrandt. So did Titian. It's high time we quit compartmentalizing art, and leave graduating students thinking they need a grant to make a living."