I love my Grandma Virginia. As an artist herself, she has encouraged my creative pursuits for as long as I can remember. Her love for color and the joy she finds in painting have always inspired me. As I find my own voice as an artist, I am starting to see how similar my inclinations are to hers, which is a lovely thing and comes as no big surprise.
    We used to draw and paint together when I was growing up. During a few visits as a kid, she had me dictate stories to her and then we would illustrate them together. I remember one silly one about a bunny who was also a magician!
     Every birthday and Christmas, she sent me a favorite book about color theory or watercolor techniques. Some years she'd pick out brushes and sketchbooks that I was probably too young to really appreciate, but I loved feeling like I was learning to draw and paint like my Grandma.

    Virginia has gradually been giving me, the artist-granddaughter, her exceptionally rich library of art books. I am beyond grateful for these gifts and love thinking of her as I study each one. She approaches her art with the attitude that there is always more to learn. I know that Sorolla, Hals, Wyeth and all the other new friends on my bookshelf have infinite lessons to teach and I feel totally humbled to have been entrusted with them. Thank you Grandma!