A.E."Bean" Backus Exhibit

As I previously mentioned I have been concentrating on and putting a lot of time into the business of art. My files are cleaned out and on their way to being organized, email addresses are uploaded into my new contact program and my web site is on its way to being fixed...but, it is still not on line. I was merrily humming along when I got whammed!

Our local, and very fine, Appleton Museum of Art is hosting a teriffic exhibit showcasing the art of A.E. "Bean" Backus. He was my friend, teacher and mentor! He is the very reason I paint! And an outstanding collection of his work is coming to my home town!!!!!! WOW!!

I always participate in any event or exhibit that promotes Beans work. In my opinion, he is under appreciated...his art as well as his major contribution to raising the level of respect for Florida artists. He is considered the "Father of Florida Landscape Painting", coming into prominence as a national artist in the late 1960s when his work was hung in President Lyndon B. Johnson's library in Texas and in the Senate offices in Washington, D.C. and was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 1993.

So, I contacted the Appleton Museum and spoke with Dr. John Lofgren, the Director. He is a warm and receptive gentleman filled with enthusiasm. Speaking with him was a breath of fresh air...not at all the stuffy type we offten see in lofty positions.

I am delighted to report that he invited me to speak at the Gala Directors' Circle Reception that will preview the exhibit February 12. I plan to enlighten the folks on The Artist Bean's direct approach to painting from an artists view and to share personal stories of The Humanitarian Bean whos door was always open to everyone.

Then on Saturday, February 21 I will conduct a demonstration at the Appleton on the way Bean went about creating his paintings, from pencil sketch, pallete, brushes to painting. One of the things Bean stressed was that there are no secrets...he generously shared his knowledge. He knew each person brought their own gifts to their painting and that no one ever produced a painting just like their teacher. He was one of those very rare people who was not threatened by anothers success.

So, I have put my business me, aside for now. I am immersed in memories. Reliving those very first days at Bean's studio in Ft. Pierce, just visiting at first and then moving on to painting alongside that kind and gentle man. I have been asked to speak for about 45 minutes to one hour...it will be very hard to condense a lifetime into those few minutes. I was with Bean the day he died, June 6, 1990 at the age of 84.....and yes, we were painting that day.