Gifts from my Mentor

I was gifted today by artwork from my first private art instructor in Baton Rouge, with whom I studied with from age 15 until I was almost 20 years old, Mr. Harold Menard, Art Instructor at Tara High School. When I was a teenager, my very good friend (and newly budding relationship), Karl Keyes, almost 17, first introduced me to Harold. Karl and I took private art instruction together from him, Karl picking me up in his MGB Midget before we'd dash away for our private painting instructions. Karl was a fabulously talented watercolorist and introduced me to this fluid medium.

When Karl died the following year of leukemia, I was devistated. I remember going to the funeral, but not being able to bring myself to go to the graveside and watch them lower his body in the ground. So I asked my mom to take me home. But I continued on with my art lessons with Harold, even though Karl wasn't with me any more. 

Harold is frail now, and not doing very well. I wanted to purchase a piece of artwork from him before he died. My brother texted me today with photographs of artwork Harold's wife dropped off for him, artwork he wanted to gift me with. He had two pencil sketches of a young black man, one painting (that seems to be an oil pastel) of the Madonna, and one watercolor or acrylic on paper of a blue heron (the irony of this subject does not fall on blind eyes).

On the back of the oil pastel he wrote: "Something about this painting: One of the many titles with which the Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary is "Seat of Wisdom". I was moved to do this original painting of our Blessed Mother under this title. Mary stands holding light in her hand, the light is a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, all of God's graces, and of Jesus Himself, the light, the way, and the truth, and she offers these gifts to everyone while Mary Herself remains in the shadows of her profound humility." I had to smile - this is so... Harold.

And on the back of my heron (my totem) he wrote "To Debbie, my very special art student of whom I am very proud. From one artist to another!" and signed it with love. When I read this personal note, my tears flowed.

This man was my mentor, and the single largest influence on my desires to be an artist, a formidable man who gently coaxed out my passion to create from an early age, and during a time I mourned for my friend, Karl. I am completely honored and feel terribly humbled by his gift. He is not long for this world and when he passes, the world just won't be lit quite as brilliantly. But I already picture him and Karl setting up an easel together.