Writer's Notes: On a beautiful sunny Oregon afternoon, I drove south towards Dorris Ranch to meet with Bev Partridge. I had never met Bev but had seen some of her paintings at the art center and knew that one of her watercolors had recently won an award from the Watercolor Society of Oregon. So I was looking forward to meeting the painter and seeing more of her work.
Bev greeted me at her door and we decided to do the interview first before going to see her art studio. Viewing some of her paintings hanging in living room, I was struck by the way she used light and shadow in her watercolors -- one of my personal "likings" in paintings no matter what the medium.Our enjoyable interview was capped off by what Bev first told me when I asked about her "legacy" as an artist. She said "my standing joke is that, when I'm dead and gone, you'll find my paintings on the top shelf at Goodwill.
It's the only 'gallery' I really don't want my paintings to hang in!" After my uproar of laughter, she went on to tell me what she'd really like her legacy to be (see the article below).Going down the hallway to her art studio, I was saw several paintings on the walls that I admired -- again for her mastery of light and shadow.
On the easel in Bev's studio was a painting that she had just completed -- rhododendron blossoms that seemed to glow with a purple haze on the surface of the paper. I took pictures of her and the painting as well as paintings hanging around the room and several that Bev pulled from a tray full of unframed paintings. It was a delight to see her wonderful portraits of family members, Mexico scenes, flowers and wildlife.The windows on Bev's studio look westward over a deck to large trees fronting the Willamette River.
On the deck are an unusual feeder for squirrels, birdhouses, and a red hummingbird feeder. On the south side of the deck is a flower garden with some interesting statuary, including a horse (from an child's old rocking horse). I wandered around the pathways and took pictures of the magical scenery.
Before leaving, Bev surprised me with the gift of a painting of a rooster which I had commented about earlier when I first saw it -- having said that my partner, Anita, would especially enjoy it. Thanks again, Bev, for your generosity and for delighting Springfield and Eugene (and the state of Oregon) with your beautiful watercolors!More photos of Bev Partridge's paintings follow the newspaper article.
Featured in the Springfield Beacon (July 11, 2007)
50 Artists: 50 Years of Art in Springfield
Celebrating arts and culture in our community
By Todd Peterson
For The Beacon
Bev PartridgeMastering light and shadow with emotion
When Bev Partridge was 65 years old, she started painting again. She had given up art years ago to focus on her family and raising children.
Today, just nine years after her first watercolor class, Bev is creating award-winning paintings that most people would think were done by someone who has been working as an artist throughout their whole lives.
Most of Bev's art offers a realistic, close-up view of subjects that interest her emotionally as well as visually. She has painted many portraits of family members and other people who have touched her life. Many of her watercolors also feature wildlife, flowers, and scenes from Mexico.
One of Bev's paintings received the Watercolor Society of Oregon's Sweepstakes Award in April 2007. Titled "Manana", her composition for the painting was created from photographs she took during a visit to Mexico.
As a member of the Emerald Art Center, Bev enjoys being able to regularly show her paintings as well as enter a painting in the annual Mayor's Art Show. She thinks that people who came to Springfield's art center are often surprised at the excellent quality of art being shown and by the many workshops and classes going on for artists.
While Bev Partridge looks for things to paint that give her a "wow" feeling, her ability to use light and shadow in her watercolors gives viewers of her work a "wow" feeling as well. In her own words:
Inspiration To Begin: "When I was five years old I found out I could draw. My father always encouraged me to draw, color in my coloring books, and do paintings. When I married, I started an art correspondence course but when I began raising children I ended up giving up art until I was 65 years old. Then I took several classes and began painting with other artists. Now, painting is almost the only thing I do."
Important Mentors: "I really got started with Ellen Gabehart and took several classes from her over the years. Judy Morris has been a big influence and so have Jean Elliott and LaVonne Tarbox-Crone. I prefer the work of realistic painters and especially like Andrew Wyeth. He really captures the emotion of whatever he is painting."
Value of Art in Life: "After my health prevented me from doing the physically active things I've done all my life, my art has given me a way to enjoy life. It gives me a place to go in my mind. I'm seeing things differently ... the light, shadows, shapes, and colors ... and taking pictures of things that I can use for future paintings.
Her Artist's Legacy: "I've done lots of portraits of my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. So, if my family and friends take my paintings and enjoy them after I'm gone, that will be enough of a legacy for me."
For more information Bev Partridge and to see additional images of her art, visit the blog: www.emeraldartcenter.blogspot.com and the art center's website: www.emeraldartcenter.org.
"Manana" by Bev Partridge___________________________________________________________________
About The Artist
Birthplace: Beatrice, Nebraska
Arts Education: Self-taught and classes from local art teachers
Media of Choice: Watercolors
Favorite Place to Do Art: In her home studio overlooking the Willamette River
Favorite Subjects To Paint: Portraits and anything she sees that gives her a "wow" feeling
Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association, Watercolor Society of Oregon
Currently Showing: "Zinnia Design" at the Emerald Art Center
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All art images and photos of the art are copyright of the artist.
"The Gathering" by Bev Partridge
"Blue Grass" by Bev Partridge
"Weaver's Bench" by Bev Partridge
