Yet another way to wish you a Merry Christmas, here's an old illustration of mine that you may have found on a christmas bag, or two.....

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

For the historically inclined, here is an mid-seventies class photo including a fair number of the people in Barbara's group photo from last week. Barbara is on far left. Photo is courtesy of Sanda Moles (Raef), a classmate. For the detective oriented, you'll find Barbara, Kazu Sano, Chuck Pyle, Robert Evans, Diana Thewlis, Melissa (Wilson) Marshall, and Craig Marshall in both photos.

Kazu Sano, Academy alum and faculty, signing the birthday card. The little cartoon of BB is mine.

Photography by Amber Lynn Nelson

Yesterday, Barbara Bradley was feted in Bradley Hall, after her drawing class. It was her 80th birthday and her next to last class before her retirement from teaching at the Academy of Art University. BB has been inspiring artists for 50 years at the Academy, essentially founding the School of Illustration, those decades ago, when I was barely scrawling with crayons, and now she is stepping away, a great voice going silent, mostly, and leaving all of us to carry on in her stead. Before that reality set in, we celebrated her life and contribution to all our successes as illustrative artists, for without her guidance and instruction none of the many illustration alums would have had the amazing careers they have had. As her former student, her co-faculty, and her friend, I will miss her deeply as a regular presence in Bradley Hall. I look forward to seeing what she draws next, unfettered from the chains of academia, and having her guiding spirit make visits in the next incarnation as a guest lecturer on special occasions.
Photograph is a mix of alumni and faculty, missing would be Bill Sanchez who showed up moments later.

photograph courtesy of Amber Lynn Nelson