April/May Artist Clue #2 - Family Bricks Determined Minds

          Ready for some more clues? Boy, I sure am! My time has been gobbled up in the other aspects of business, so I've been anxious to do some blog-blog-blogging! Okay to start, it turns out that this artist really had some great parents who were supportive of their child in learning many new things. The art profession just wasn't exactly what they had in mind. It was radically out of scope for what the expectations where for a woman of that time period. Her parents hesitation could also be in part because of the close proximity she would have around the male students who dominated the college. The SAME males students that painted from LOTS of nude models. You get my drift? Men, men, painting nude female models, men... Her father is actually quoted in saying, "I would almost rather see you dead" when discussing her profession in art.

          There is no evidence that anyone else in her immediate family held the same gift and eye for art as did she. Sounds like a lonely independent road ahead... Though her father possessed little comprehension of art, he DID swallow some pride and eventually stepped out of her way, allowing her to pursue her talents.

Did you catch it? This artist is a she - a very beloved she, I might add (even in our generation).

          Becoming a professional artist was her primary goal and so she entered school with a resolute and determined mind to study and study hard. Interestingly, she did so right smack during the American Civil War years. The Pennsylvania Academy brought disappointment though because of the slow nature of the instruction and the "women just can't be as good at painting" attitude she felt from the male students and instructors. Well, harrumph I say! This only caused her to make up her mind MORE resolutely to go on her own in training. She said goodbye to the college after four years there and moved to Paris. Here's were her stubborn trait sometimes came in handy...  Later it will be tested as she considers giving up art entirely.