Peter Prendergast taught me art at foundation level, back in Wales in 1997. It's natural to feel nostalgic after someone dies, to look back and say, "If it hadn't have been for him..." but I'm not romantacising. He was the most inspiring teacher I've ever had—and the most gruelling—and I've never worked so hard as I did during that year of my life.
He taught life-drawing, which I was never particularly good at, but that didn't matter. He taught me to really see what was in front of me, instead of guessing, or making it up. (It was usually a naked lady, of course, perched on a stool). He drove me to think about everything I did. If I hadn't have worked like that then I'd probably be working in Iceland-the-supermarket by now.
Carneddi on a Summer Day is one of my favourite paintings — every time I see his work I get homesick for Snowdonia. I wrote to him recently, after not being in touch for many years, and I told him that in the letter. I'm really glad I did; he died a couple of weeks ago, and I only just found out.
That is an excellent painting.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting. I can see you were very lucky to have him as a teacher.
ReplyDeletegorgeous painting
ReplyDeleteThat's intense stuff.
ReplyDeleteSome teachers just connect, don't they? My most important teacher died last year, and I was also relieved that I'd made contact again beforehand. I mentioned him on the blog, and several people I'd never met got in touch to share their experiences. They'd been caught unawares by how sad his death had left them, Googled his name, found the write-up. It was like a mini virtual wake.
What a beautiful painting. It sounds like it was painted by a beautiful man.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to have had such a teacher. Mastering the art of truly seeing what is in front of you is one of the hardest things to learn.
I know nowt about art, but that is a great painting.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to leave something so beautiful behind when I go.....what an amazing man!
ReplyDeleteLovely,lovely painting.
ReplyDeleteA case of art baring the soul.
Condolences.
That is a great and true and touching tribute to Peter.
ReplyDeleteIt was just a year ago that he had the retrospective in LLangefni.
There were paintings of Cork (he loved cork) and the most stunning seascapes, huge and dramatic, (Anglesey), and all the stuff we love.
I can't think of anything meaningful to say, just that I'm glad that I knew him.
That's so nice that he was able to much such an impact on you.
ReplyDeleteI've not kept in touch with any of my old teachers, I saw one a couple of months ago and called to him "Hello Mr.X"
"Don't EVER call me that in public" he scowled back. The seventeen year old on his arm scowled a little too.
I always love it when people make "much such" and impact on people.
ReplyDeleteI wish I hadn't gone to bed so late last night.
isnt it just such a shit that hes dead. its good that youve linked to the guardian obituary - its very good. we sent a note to lesley but its a bit late now.
ReplyDeleteI can see why, it's a powerful painting! So lucky, you took time to connect. I bet it made him feel good. Teachers are to be honored. Peace.
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