As an artist, I am totally grateful for the knowledge that I received from studying with Sergei Bongart, along with my studies with Ron Lukas, Sunny Apinchapong, and Del Gish. Also, I feel very fortunate that Mary Balcomb wrote an intensive and comprehensive book, Sergei Bongart, on the life and teachings of Sergei.
Born in South Dakota and raised in Central Washington, William F. Reese painted for over 50 years. He created an astonishing body of work that includes oils, pastels, watercolors, sculptures, etchings, and instructional books. Though prolific and proficient in several media, Reese was likely best known as one of America’s premier plein air artists, reveling in the majesty of the Northwest and setting up his easel outdoors in all kinds of weather and in every kind of location.
Sunny Apinchapong-Yang was born in Bangkok, Thailand, where his Chinese parents settled after the Second World War. In 1970, Sunny arrived in the United States, receiving his first formal art instruction at Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design and Cal State (LA), earning both BA and MA degrees in Fine Art. READ MORE
In the upcoming months we wish to profile some of the well-known artists who Mary Balcomb knew as good friends, such as Del Gish, Darrell Anderson, Lois MacFarland, and William Reese, most of which were connected to Sergei Bongart in some way.
Today we feature Darrell Anderson, of Bainbridge Island, Washington. A frequent visitor to Mary’s home, the above painting of his hung in her bedroom for years, up to the day she died: