Today, we're featuring a photo of Roy Nydorf, taken at the GreenHill on the eve of Jack Stratton's presentation about his retrospective exhibit. Roy is standing beside a painting entitled, "Roy's Bonfire, The Smaller Bonfire." You guessed it, Roy Nydorf is the Roy in the title, the person holding the staff, the front person in the painting. Roy came to Greensboro in 1978 as an art professor at Guilford College. In the book published for Jack's retrospective exhibit, Roy is one of the people Jack thanks for having influenced him. Jack explained that the above photo was painted, in 2006, after Jack had been to Roy's house and Roy had decided they would have a small bonfire as opposed to a large one. There is another painting in the exhibit from a big bonfire at Roy's.
On Wednesday, we noticed Roy as he was standing and admiring the above painting. We discussed the painting with Roy, knowing he was the subject of the painting. He commented on the masterful use of color. The highlights on Roy, resulting from the fire, are lime green- a bold color, yet it fits perfectly and exemplifies Jack's keen understanding of color theory. Roy said the painting is fabulous and that it exudes artistic confidence. He also told his wife that if there were one painting he would consider purchasing, it was this one. However, Roy himself is an artist as were his parents, and wall space in his Oak Ridge home is at a premium. "Roy's Bonfire, the Smaller Bonfire" sold that night and the new owner promised Roy he had visitation rights, a "win/win" for all involved! It was so special to spend time in the same room with both Roy Nydorf and Jack Stratton and to learn how strong their relationship remains after decades. Roy, who had his own retrospective at Green Hill in 2012, is a legendary Greensboro artist. It was special see him with his protégé, Jack in a venue filled with Jack's art, some of which was inspired by Roy. Living in Greensboro is like that. By "that" we mean that you spend time with influencers of influencers in venues small enough to leave feeling like you have new friends for life. Events at GreenHill are like "that" too!!!
Happy Saturday. Head to the GreenHill Gallery and see this exhibit before it is gone.