A Naturalist's Legacy is an intense painting of my husband and son. Clyde Kessler is a well known naturalist in Virginia and North Carolina who has been studying the bird and butterfly populations and migration since 1975.  He has participated  in Christmas bird counts for the National Audobon Society since 1973. 
 
His discovery in Virginia of the endangered Mitchell's Satyr in 1998 led to efforts to protect the species in the state.  It was unknown in Virginia at the time. It is considered to be one of the most important wildlife finds in the second half of the 20th century. Clyde has also led hawk watches since the mid 70's at Rocky Knob and other locations, and has surveyed Wildwood Park for plants and animal species for the city of Radford.

Clyde is also a poet who publishes twenty to thirty poems every year in print and online magazines.  He has served on the Board of Directors of the Blue Ridge Discovery Center. This organization offers innovative education programs in southwestern Virginia that include studies of the natural world, art and writing. These programs are for children and adults of all ages.  Clyde is hopeful that the efforts and programs of BRDC will encourage future generations to enjoy and protect the environment. For more info about Blue Ridge Discovery Center:

http://blueridgediscoverycenter.org/
 
The painting is symbolic as Clyde has worked with all ages and continues to bring the joy of nature to everyone he encounters.
 
 
ARTIST RETAINS FULL COPYRIGHT OF ARTWORK AND IS PROTECTED BY US AND INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAWS


My paintings have been seen throughout the United States in national, international, and group shows.  I have won numerous awards, including awards from Dorothy Gillespie, May Stevens, Frank Webb, and Daniel Greene. My paintings were in two group shows on Broadway and my biography is included in The Original Marquis Who's Who in America.

I taught in the Art Department of Radford University for a twenty years as Assistant professor.  I taught Art Appreciation, Drawing, Oil Painting, Watercolor painting, Foundations, and served as Gallery Director for one year.

I enjoyed working with Art and Design students.  My Art Appreciation course was hands-on and I received many compliments on my course curriculum.  Oftentimes I had students that were not enrolled in the class ask me if they could sit in for a class.  I have fond memories of those guest students!  What a great compliment for me!

My best-selling print, "Reaching Out", was selected from over three million works of art on Fine Art America to be on the set of The Mindy Project and I appeared with my artwork on The Hour of Joy on FoxTV out of Roanoke on March 10th 2013.  

I live to paint and it is important to me to find homes for all of my creations.  I have originals and prints in thirty-two states,Washington D.C., Canada, Germany, Russia, England, Switzerland, India and Australia.  

I also have paintings in the collection of Hollywood actress Morgan Fairchild.


Be sure to check out my YouTubes.  Here is the address for my first video about my drawing on The Mindy Project!   http://youtu.be/vOyjIZ__lq4

Towhee Hill Studio is open to the public by appointment.  540-257-3437