Book Description

This book describes the childhood of noted California artist Milford Zornes in the Panhandle of Oklahoma in 1908, his move to Boise, Idaho and finally San Fernando, California.Milford eventually studies with artist Millard Sheets, becomes involved with the California ScenePainters, works with the WPA during the Depression, then became an art professor at Otis Art Institute,all in the 1930¿s and very early 1940¿s.In 1943 Milford was drafted into the Army/Air Force as an official military artist, serving in China, Burmaand India. In 1945 he returns to California to greet his wife Pat and new daughter. He becomes an ArtProfessor at Pomona College and in 1951 he goes to Greenland for most of the next four years. In 1955he returns to Claremont, California and becomes the Art Director for the Padua Theater.In 1966 Pat and Milford buy the Maynard Dixon home and studio in Utah, built by famous Western artistMaynard Dixon. He spent the next few decades doing workshops there, all over the United States and inEurope. In 1998 they move back to Claremont full time.For his 100 the birthday he did a 2 hour demonstration at the Pasadena Museum of California Art in front of 250 people even though he is under Hospice care. He would die three weeks later.The book looks at his passion and focus for his art from a young age, his loss of vision and his efforts tocontinue to paint. He couldn¿t imagine life without painting.In the Los Angeles Times obituary he was described as probably the most prolific watercolorists in theUnited States. In addition to all his paintings he left a legacy of inspiring other artists through hismentorship. Milford had been recognized as a National Academician by his peers, an honor Milford heldin high regard.