A digital recreation of an article published in Tonight Magazine Vol4 No2 October 1965
Beatrice Barrett is one of those lucky gals who has a doting father. Like most fathers, Bea’s dad pampers her every wish – almost. At least, he was very pleased when his only daughter graduated from college with a degree in graphic arts, majoring in photography.
As a graduation present, he surprised Bea with a redecorating job on a beach house he owned, fully equipped for her to use as her own studio. Beatrice was delighted, for she had always loved the old place on the Pacific, and now it provides seclusion and quiet to enable her to concentrate on her work. She hopes to come up with some commercial photographs and some watercolor and oil illustrations that will gain her contracts with some of the major magazines. Bea realizes, however, that these things do not happen overnight and she’s prepared for a long testing and proving time. Meanwhile, the place has become the congregating point for several other hopeful artists in the neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon.
These other young artists are self-supporting, and take their careers seriously, and so they are grateful for the use of the studios and the fine, modern equipment and cameras, plus an excellent darkroom and all the developing paraphernalia. Then too, there is the conviviality and good conversations and discussions they frequently have on art subjects.
Not that Bea isn’t as serious as the rest, but she has now found that her real love is watercolor illustrations, rather than using the camera for realism. Her little nest by the sea gives her all the time she needs for this pursuit, and the visitors help round out her life to a fruitful, happy and zestful one. One major magazine chain has asked to see some illustrations done to their specific instruction, and it may just be the "big break".
Leave a comment