Bess Blodgett (left) and Emily Clark (right) at a SCWS annual show, date unknown.
Our friend and fellow watercolorist Emily Clark died at home on August 3, 2012.
Among all of her other achievements, Emily will be remembered by the Santa Cruz watercolorists as a unique and creative force who was always willing to share her techniques and “secret” tips with other painters.
Emily was a student in Dave McGuire’s watercolor class at Cabrillo College and from there she joined his weekly critiques. When the critiques moved from Cabrillo, Emily would join in at the new venue bringing her lovely landscapes. Eventually the group started meeting at the Santa Cruz Art League and Emily would often stay on for critique after attending Linda Lord’s watercolor classes. She was always striving for new ideas and methods to add to her knowledge of the medium. Many of her memorable paintings graced the calendars that she would create for her children with each month having an original painting. Quite an annual achievement!
For many years Emily would host the annual Santa Cruz Watercolor Society meeting and potluck. We were able to admire her unique home filled with art as well as the surrounding gardens which were mostly Emily’s handiwork, her artistic talents spilling over into her love for plants.
As we paint it would be helpful to remember one suggestion made by Emily: “Always leave a little mystery in your painting”. We will miss her creative energy and kindness to all.
Nancy Howe
The photograph of Bess Blodgett and Emily Clark was taken at a Santa Cruz Watercolor Society annual show at the Santa Cruz Art League by Aimée Nelson. The date on this photo is lost.