Friday, January 5, 2024
I met "Jeanie" Hall as the "other half " of her brother, Bill, my next door neighbor for 30 years. Bill told me his sister, Jean, was a gifted artist. When I saw her original paintings, boy oh boy, did I know he was right! Being a painter myself, Jean and I talked about artwork and I told her that she was the "finest living artist I had ever met".
She painted gorgeous large and medium sized oil paintings in rich and sensual colors. Subjects ranged from abstract "Blue Flight", a painting for which Jean won a scholarship to the University of Bridgeport, to a colorful realistic' dark and mysterious lobster buoys painting in oils. She painted figures and portraits in pointillism. She painted from nature and so much more, pouring her imagination and creativity into everything she did. Her insight into the spirit of her subjects was palpable and always skillfully communicated.
Jeanie would critique my artwork and always be complimentary and encouraging. I treasured her input. Whenever I'd hear my neighbor, Bill, in his backyard showing his sister, Jean, his beautifully designed multiple flower beds in season, I'd run through the hedges to Bill's yard to see them. Jean left us all a legacy of art when she went home to Heaven!
I know how much Michele, Jean's daughter and brother Bill miss her. She gave so much of herself to the ones she loved and to the world, I'll miss you too, Jeanie! God Bless You (and Thanks)! Love, Kyle Sherwood Ralston
