Rhudy Bell
Rhudy and Janet Bell moved into University Village in the Fall of 2009. They were acquainted with the community because many of their friends from the Forest Hills Presbyterian Church are residents here.
Rhudy has met with Shana, Masterpiece Living Coordinator, and taken his lifestyle reviews. His big question to her was, “Can Masterpiece Living give me more hours in my day?” This former teacher and civil engineer has many interests including his love for sculpting and painting.
When stepping into Rhudy and Janet’s apartment, one immediately sees art—art everywhere—watercolor paintings on the walls and sculptures on pedestals. Rhudy is an active member of the Tampa Realistic Artists group at the Life Enrichment Center in Old Hyde Park. On Thursdays a group of sculptors work at their art from morning to mid-afternoon. Most of Rhudy’s sculptures are done in clay and then painted a patina of his choice.
Rhudy is a history buff studying the life of Abraham Lincoln and other American leaders that he admires. Many of his sculptures are these historical figures including busts of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther, Franklin Roosevelt, and General Robert E. Lee. Rhudy’s pride and joy is the commissioned bronze sculpture that he created of General Oliver Otis Howard, which graces the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.
“Watercolors are the least expensive paint medium but they can be the most challenging,” Rhudy explained. “I am a purest and I never use white paint,” he continued. Rhudy’s landscapes are settings in Florida, Ohio, Tennessee or perhaps something that came from his imagination.
Rhudy has taken many classes over the years and has studied a broad variety of techniques. University Village has an active group of resident artists. He has offered to teach a drawing class and welcomes residents of all experience levels. “Some people draw well naturally, but everyone can learn,” Rhudy commented. Another great learning opportunity unfolds for 2010 at University Village!
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