Last night we received word that my older brother Blaine Lee had passed away unexpectedly. It was a huge shock to me as I worked through the reality of what had just happened and measured the magnitude of my loss. Physically and emotionally, I felt crushed. Blaine was a friend, a mentor, an example, and a true brother in every sense of the word. He taught me to play the guitar and to love music. He helped me believe in myself and do things I would have never attempted without his guidance. He encouraged me on my life's vocation with the advice I've oft repeated to others, "Find something you love to do, and then find a way to get paid for it." Blaine's soft council and brotherly wisdom helped save my life during a time of excrutiating personal turmoil. He gave me spiritual strength in times when my heart sagged.
In later years when he faced the same challenges, I was able to be there for him. That's what brothers are for. I will miss him here, but know without doubt he lives again in a world without pain, and at this very moment is having a grand reunion with my father and grandparents. One day soon we will all be together again. Goodbye my brother, but just for now.
My widowed mother with her four children. Left to right: Roland, Grant, Blaine, and Andrea.
Posing with my painting "Icy River" during the Sears Art Show at Dixie State College.
have my studio. Both my brother Grant and my older sister Andrea Conley took part sharing pioneer stories. On Tuesday we all went up to Emmett, Idaho and visited my father's gravesite. It was a choice experience to be together as a family and strengthen each other following the loss of our brother Blaine last week.
We enjoyed the good 65 degree weather as we went outdoors and sketched on location. The students had a chance to study values in the landscape first-hand as they learned about light, form shadows, cast shadows, and reflected light on the red rocks. Back in the classroom we used the knowledge we gained on location to work up value studies prior to painting several landscapes of the southern Utah red rock country.
Last night we received word that my older brother Blaine Lee had passed away unexpectedly. It was a huge shock to me as I worked through the reality of what had just happened and measured the magnitude of my loss. Physically and emotionally, I felt crushed. Blaine was a friend, a mentor, an example, and a true brother in every sense of the word. He taught me to play the guitar and to love music. He helped me believe in myself and do things I would have never attempted without his guidance. He encouraged me on my life's vocation with the advice I've oft repeated to others, "Find something you love to do, and then find a way to get paid for it." Blaine's soft council and brotherly wisdom helped save my life during a time of excrutiating personal turmoil. He gave me spiritual strength in times when my heart sagged.
I'm never happier than when I can acquire a new piece of artwork to add to our collection. Today we consummated a deal with renowned sculptor Kreg Harrison and brought home a wonderful bronze sculpture called "Simpler Times." It depicts Kreg's own grandfather as a young man in Pinto Utah, bringing home a rabbit for the dinner table. His single shot rifle and faithful companion are by his side. When I saw the piece it reminded me of my own son Jonathan who spent his childhood wandering the hills of Dammeron Valley with my old single shot 22 and a Brittany he raised from a pup. Today Jon lives in Annabella Utah where he raises hunting dogs, game birds, and six kids. I will treasure this new sculpture which will always bring back memories of "simpler times."
Photos: Top - Karen Bettilyon, Above - Shari Cannon, left - Gayla Folkman
