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“The Joy of Watercolor” is a collection of paintings by the late artist, instructor, and author David Millard. Since 1959, the acclaimed artist, David Millard kept his winter studio on St. Thomas. If he wasn’t spotted in town sketching, he was in his studio at home in Caret Bay painting or teaching. “He always said the light here in St.Thomas, is as great if not greater than Paris. We could have settled anyplace in the world, but we settled here for his painting,” his wife Edith Millard recently recalled. He taught scores of students over the years not only in St. Thomas, but also in Needham, Massachusetts, where he lived in the warmer months. His professional awards included recognition from the National Academy of Design, and Gold Medals from the American Watercolor Society, New England Watercolor Society and the Rockport Art Association. His love for painting and his experience teaching led Millard to write three books in his career. The Joy of Watercolor, More Joy of Watercolor and Impasto were all published by Watson-Guptill of New York City, and were among their best selling art books.

 

Prior to his passing in 2002, in a career that spanned six decades, Millard exhibited in over 30 one-man shows in both museums and galleries. He is revered by both artists and collectors alike for his skill and ability to explore inventive color relationships. Artist Kimberly Boulon reflects, “My real creative juices got flowing with David Millard, the late great master artist and colorist and my first art teacher, beginning in 1998 with his three inspiring art books and then with him at his home on St. Thomas. He was a man whose exemplary humility and sense of freedom in his teachings continue to influence me in my art and my life. He embodied the spirit of what being an artist is all about. His sage advice to me and all artists: Just remember to listen to your inner self. Keep exploring; keep yourself open to being you. Don’t let anyone box you in. You’re the one with the brush; you can paint what and how you want from your heart. Don’t sell your soul, just paint….”.

 

Original sketches, watercolors, and three oils by David Millard, selected by Edith Millard will be exhibited and offered for sale. Claire Ochoa, gallery owner, acknowledges, “This is a rare opportunity for collectors and a gift to our community from Edith Millard, to see a collection of paintings, many of St. Thomas and St. John, from a published author and award-winning artist. Several of the pieces in the exhibit are published in his books.”