Life-long Project

It is time to share with the world what Hermon has been working on for at least 30 years. While we lived and worked in Raymond, MS, Hermon got a commission for a painting of Hiawatha carrying Minnehaha across the river. The gentleman who wanted it, sent Hermon a photo of a statue of the subject. Hermon proceded to do research on the subject and in doing so, decided to read the epic poem, The Song of Hiawatha, by Longfellow. He thought there might be some word pictures within the poem. By the time he finished reading it, he had easily found over two hundred word pictures, which inspired the majority of his paintings over the years of his career. He is finally beginning a culmination of the images in book form. It is intended to be a coffee table edition of a limited number. He has at least thirty pages completed and recorded. Of course, I want him to hurry up and do it. It is going to be gorgeous and very moving. One of the first paintings that I remember being put to the words of Longfellow, is called "The Spirit's Hand." I will relate this to you, just to give you a sample of what the book will include.
The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Prelude
"Ye whose hearts are fresh and simple, Who have faith in God and Nature,
Who believe that in all ages Every human heart is human,
That in even savage bosoms there are longings, yearnings, strivings
For the good they comprehend not, That the feeble hands and helpless,
Groping blindly in the darkness, Touch God's right hand in that darkness,
And are lifted up and strengthened; Listen to this simple story,
To this song of Hiawatha!"

Climbing the Mountains

We packed up our paintings, the kids, and hooked up the trailer, as soon as the truck was fixed. We were excited to be on our way up the mountain and through Colorado and onto Jackson Hole.



As we crested the top of that first mountain, just past where our truck had stopped 3 days before, I looked across a gorge, and there standing near the edge, bugling, was a huge elk! I can see him so clearly in my mind's eye. A perfect picture to behold. I told Hermon that it was a good omen, and that it meant good things ahead. It was an exhilarating feeling, especially after the past few days. The truck was running great and took the mountain with no trouble at all.



Having never been to Colorado before, we had no idea what to expect to see on our way. The countryside was gorgeous and completely different than anything we had imagined. The aspen trees and the meadows showed their summer colors in rich hues of silver green, whites, brights, yellows, purples, and orange. The landscape gradually changed, as we travelled;it painted a thousand scenes before us, as we drank it all in. We rode and rode and sang and laughed and sang some more. Every now and then, we had to make a pitstop and let Rob "water" the flowers along the way. There were no conveniences for miles and miles. Yet, no one seemed to mind. We were loving our adventure.



One of our very favorite places on the way, was Logan, Utah. We camped at a very nice campground that looked out on the mountains on the horizon and on the horses across the fence next to the campground. Very picturesque. The air was quite cool in the mornings, as we began each day. What a change from the heat of the south! So refreshing! And the feeling of freedom was overwhelming. We felt like birds out of a cage.



When we finally arrived in Jackson Hole, Hermon went to a shop called "The Coyote Den" to show the owner his work. She bought a couple of the leather Indians immediately. Hermon returned to the campground and continued to work on his large commissioned piece for Elayne's Gallery in Minneapolis, MN. When that one was completed, Elayne sent us the rest of the money for the painting. She and Hermon had made an agreement before we left Mississsippi. That worked out very well. Then, we had a chance to, actually, be tourists and check out the town and all the galleries. It was a wonderful experience.

We found out that things did not really begin to happen in Jackson until the Fourth of July. That gave Hermon plenty of time to work, because we had a couple of weeks before the big event. And that is what he did. He also did some checking around to find a place to paint and a cheaper campground. We had plans to settle in for a while. What a fun place to be! That was a summer filled with lots of adventures and outings. One that we will always hold dear.

We're Back!

As you might have guessed, I extended my stay in MS; my cousin was coming in from Nashville for the family reunion, and I could hardly leave without seeing her and the rest of the family. So I stayed another few days. My uncle is much improved and I am so relieved. I had a great time with my family.



The remodel continues to go on and on, so...I have really enjoyed using my new stove. The weather has been perfect for baking. M-m-mmmm!I will really be in Hermon's good graces when I bake his favorite "pecan chewies." I may tackle that tomorrow.


On with the story.. In rereading, I see that "the way west" never arrived and I left out a lot of stuff.

While we were in Raymond, Hermon got a brainstorm! How to "mass produce" his paintings of Indian portraits on leather. He ventured out to do just that, when an interested party wanted to order mutiples, that is, "as many as you can paint!" Hermon's system involved a huge amount of physical work for us both. He stretched and dyed the leather. I did the handwork: consisting of adding feathers and embellishments on each piece. There was Baby Robert in his playpen and Jim sitting at his grandad's desk, writing and drawing while we worked. The studio was always in disarray when I got there, and there seemed to be no solution, so we worked around everything. And we worked really hard.



Hermon asked the buyer to venture out with him and buy 10 or 20 of the same image until he could complete the process for the rest of the portraits. That wasn't too much to ask really, because we had put everything on the line in order to start up. The guy began picking apart the work we sent him, then decided to opt out. Hermon had spent nearly a year getting the kinks worked out! They looked really good. Some were painted on rounds with rope border and feathers with turquoise. Others were made into hangings using dowels and leather string we had made and feather and turquoise. But there we were, preparing the images en masse, with no outlet.



We packed up and went to a three week show in Birmingham, AL, where we sold quite a few of them. They were a big hit. Any other shows we did, they were a shoe-in. A good seller. We had stacks of them in varying stages of completion. Sometimes, I even got to paint the jewelry and the light in the eyes. I learned a lot. But my fingers hurt from working with the leather string, tying knots, etc. and with the rough materials in general. But we were excited about them. The images were of significant Indians that had been photographed by Edward Curtis and were recognizeable: Chief Joseph, Nez Perce; Quannah Parker; Red Cloud, and one handsome Pawnee named Particular Time of Day. They were all striking figures on canvas. When we did the Christmas show in Birmingham, an older woman (probably younger than I am now), purchased that painting for her daughter. Then she decided she wanted one for herself. She wanted to know his name. When Hermon told her "Particular Time of Day," she said, "Any time, any where!" We thought that was so cute. And from the heart. (He is my favorite one, too.)



Those portraits on leather paid our way out west, and we did very well with them. Hermon also painted one of John Wayne with a bandana on the rope frame. Our little guy, Robert, thought his name was John Lane. He always called him that. Then when he got a little older, we were watching a John Wayne movie, when Robert said,"you know, Dad, John Wayne looks a lot like John Lane!" We died laughing!



When we left New Orleans for the last time to head out west to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the center for western art, those paintings were a Godsend! As we camped at night in our trailer, Hermon did some painting on the leather Indians. When we got to Dodge City, Kansas, he showed them to the campground owner. They bought a couple which paid for our stay there and them some. Another camper saw them and wanted one, too. So Hermon completed one at the picnic table, while she watched. She was so thrilled. So that was good and we came out ahead.



As we were about to head up the first mountain of the Rockies in Colorado, about half way up, our truck died. Hermon hitched a ride down the mountain several miles, while I stayed in the truck with the boys, and no way to get out. We were right up against the solid rock wall to the right of the road, pulled over as far as we could get. No way could I have opened the other door next to the road way. So we sat there for 2 hours, it seemed. It was touch on the little guys being confined, but they did very well. I was getting clostraphobia, however! Finally, Hermon returned with a wrecker. The guy had to take the front wheels off the truck, in order to get it far enough on the wrecker so it could tow the trailer behind without dragging. (Later, we discovered that the frame of the trailor had gotten bent.) We all piled into the wrecker and away we went. But it was so scary, turning that big rig around on the narrow highway with sheer cliff on one side. I know I held my breath, as we inched our way around. It nearly takes my breath today, to think of it!



The little town of La Veta was at the foot of the mountains. Fortunately, there was a truck stop, with a mechanic shop too. So, we had a place to park and to eat. They didn't charge us to park. The radiator needed to be rodded out, and the part they needed would take a couple of days to arrive. That was the windiest place I have ever been; dust was blowing everywhere. We tasted grit every time we went outside. The door practically blew off its hinges each time the boys went in or out. Hermon painted; the owners liked the Indians and bought enough to pay for the work done on the truck and paid us a couple of hundred, to boot. (That truck stop ordered artwork from us years later, when we sold our ltd. edition prints! We were ever grateful for good folks.) We sat at lunch and watched the antelope running and jumping. We were so excited to see the wildlife, for the very first time. The boys were real cowboys. We were on a great adventure heading west, just like the pioneers!

The Artist's Statement

Growing up in a small town of 2,000, I spent most of my time in the woods or fields, playing, and, as I grew older, working. I owned several horses and loved the out-of-doors. I enjoyed drawing and looking at all forms of art. However, I never actually went into a gallery until after I had become a professional artist. The artwork that I got to see was in the public library. During my first year in college, 1963, my art professor took us to a seminar on painting with acrylics. I loved the speed. However, I still liked the soft clouds and skin that could be achieved with oils.

I majored in Advertising Design, because I was not aware that one could actually make a living as a "fine artist." I worked for several years as a commercial artist doing newspaper and catalog layouts. After serving in the Army, my wife and I moved to North Carolina, where I did line drawings for the "Yellow Pages." I thought I had found Heaven, when I went to work painting architectural renderings. I was getting paid to paint. When that company went bankrupt, it was devastating. After that, I went to work for two furniture photography companies, always doing illustrations, whenever I could.

In 1976, I actually got angry with myself, because I was not living up to my potential. At that point, I made a decision to paint in a more serious way, and to truly challenge myself, more than I had done before. Not very long after that, a group called "Artist Touring Association" asked me to join them. An opportunity arose to become a full-time, professional artist. To my surprise, my wife agreed, and we began a totally new life. It was hard. It was with this group, however, that my real education began. We toured with them for two years. We were very fortunate to be able to work with some wonderful artists, who helped me develop.

Several artists have inspired me. Because of his availability to a young boy, and for the excitement he transmitted in his work, N.C. Wyeth was probably my first major influence. Thomas Moran, Albert Bierstadt, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Alphonse Maria Mucha, Maxfield Parrish, Frank Frazetta, Tom Lovell, and others have all had an influence on my artwork. Until I was in college, there was no real art instruction available. Realism was nowhere to be found. Therefore, almost all that I have learned has been self-taught.

If I were forced to put a name to the way I paint, it would have to be "romantic realism." However, if one studies my work, it would be discovered that a large portion of what I do is impressionistic, with, somewhat, realistic areas. I have been told by several of my collectors, that my work is easily recognizable. They may, at first, see similarities to Thomas Moran, or another of my influences; but after having seen several of my pieces, they tell me that my style is unmistakable.

My artwork never stops evolving, for the better, I hope. I do believe that it has been consistent and I have a style that is recognizably mine. Although I cannot help but be influenced by what I have encountered, when I paint, I just try to do the best that I can. This is where imagination and originality are really important. I do not want to paint like Frank Frazetta or Maxfield Parrish, or Vincent Van Gogh, or like anyone else. One Van Gogh is enough. My style is undeniably my own.

Going Home

It seems just as I get going on an interesting project, one thing after another seems to crop up and derail my momentum. But, I guess that is life. At least, it has been my life. Our house is in major turmoil, with renovations. On Friday, Hermon decided that we needed to make a place in my kitchen for a new stove, long overdue! So he and our handyman, Dave, turned my kitchen upside down and inside out, removing cook top, wall oven, then ancient water heater. (Hot water on Demand water heaters are wonderful, by the way.) So now I can use that space for a pantry. My stove comes in the morning sometime. What a mess! Not that the rest of my house is completed either, but the time was right to do this. So what am I going to do to help this ongoing renovation? I am going to visit my family in Mississippi! My Uncle Dave, at 84, has been ill for a while now, and I am worried about him. I need to see him and to be with the rest of the family. We have all been very close and have spent lots of time together, all my life. A visit with family is good for the soul. It is refreshing to my spirit to see them and to enjoy the unconditional love they have always shown me. I am excited to go.

I hope something looks better when I return, or I may just turn around and go back!!
So now for my little blog, I will fill in as I can over the next few days before I leave on September 9th. I will return on the 19th. Then I will be able to concentrate on the project at hand. Please bear with me. Thank you for those of you who are following this. Best wishes, Sheila Adams

A Time Line of Events-Childhood-Education

For clarification, I thought, perhaps, a time-line would enable my reader to get more of a grasp of the journey of this artist, Hermon Adams.

Childhood-Age Fifteen: Hermon received his first paints at a very early age, and does not recall a time when he did not draw or paint. He was a night owl and filled his nights with his favorite snack: sweet pickles, cheese, bread, and milk along with reading the encyclopedia. He gained a vast knowledge doing that, but was most interested in mythology. His grandmother, Mary Gillespie, an avid reader, told Hermon and his sisters wonderful stories that helped stretch his imagination. Hermon also had a love for horses and sold his first painting of horses, running through the water, at age 15. By that time, he had worked summers on the Prassle Dude Ranch in Raymond. He also trained horses at a ranch in Teague, Texas. He has a working knowlege of the horses anatomy from these early experiences.

Education: There were no art classes in high school. But that didn't stop Hermon from doing what he loved. His buddies, would gather at his house and watch him paint and draw. Then everyone put in his two cents and critiqued what Hermon had done. (The painting that I remember, when his den was filled with his friends and family, was of Tarzan climbing a huge tree. It was a commissioned piece for his friend he called "Perkins." Hermon did a self-portrait as Tarzan's face. It was quite novel. Apparently, Tarzan was Perkins' hero, and he was known for wearing his leopard bathing suit, while swinging through the trees giving a fantastic Tarzan yell!)
Hinds County (Junior) Community College: Hermon studied painting and art history, and had good guidance and encouragement from his teachers, in particular Mr. Walsh.
University of Southern Mississippi: Hermon studied sculpture there and the other required subjects to get his Fine Arts Degree in Advertising Design. While at Southern, Hinds did a show for Hermon in Raymond. He had several pieces of sculpture in various mediums, including plaster cast-Andrew Jackson bust; built-up plaster-a horse; cast cement-a stylized Greek sentry, "The Sentinel;" and a free-form metal piece that looked like a large clam. Some of his paintings were also abstract, because that is what his professors at Southern taught. "Chaos" was a rather large piece with shades of burnt umber, reds and oranges in geometric shapes. Hermon's next door neighbors bought this piece for their den. "The Apartment" looked like lit-up windows in a long and narrow taupe building. Hermon's sister, Mary, liked that piece so much, that he gave it to her. Hermon's showing was written up in the local newspaper.
While at Southern, Hermon worked a full quarter, day and night, on his Senior project, doing several extensive book illustration projects. Using photography, with his sister, Pattie, himself, and me as models, he did mock-ups of five book covers for Edgar Rice Burroughs' Mars Series, framing the books in a nice display. (That is another whole story in itself.) He did a black and white painting of a horse-drawn chariot pulling Hector behind, and printed it for the book cover for the classic, The Illiad. Hermon did a series of stylized pen and inks of the book's major points, and using a two-color press, printed several copies of a sample page. The drawings had been done on heavy poster board and made a very nice series of paintings, which we displayed in our house for several years. They remind me of the work seen on urns from legendary times of Greek and Roman figures. Last but not least, Hermon drew a series of illustrations for a children's version of The Illiad. It was the most professional looking of the displays of the Senior projects in the art department. Hermon made a "C" on his project, while a classmate did a map of the state of Mississippi and its products! She had done it the night before and she received an "A!" Her display was completely unprofessional and somewhat sloppy looking. What an injustice! There was no comparison whatsoever. I tried to convince Hermon to go to the Dean and appeal his grade. But he wouldn't do it. He said it didn't matter what his grade was; he knew that what he had done was far and away better than anything there. He had put his all into it and that was enough for him. He also recognized the criteria for the project grading system; he didn't have "boobs!"
Wedding, Temp Jobs, and the Army: This will be my next blog, along with some photos of older pieces of interest. Have a great evening. Sheila

Who Is Bob Timberlake Anyway?

While living in Winston-Salem, NC, back in 1973, Bob Timberlake, North Carolina artist was quite the successful artist of the area. While showing at a small art show in High Point, NC, someone said to Hermon, "I can do that." Hermon thought to himself, "but you're not." The only thing standing in Hermon's way of becoming a successful artist, was just doing it. That is what Bob Timberlake was doing; he was painting. His work was mostly of the Americana genre, which was quite popular at the time. He had been a great fan of Andrew Wyeth and was fortunate enough to have encouragement from his favorite artist. Mr. Timberlake's work was accepted in well-known galleries in New York and in Washington, D.C., where he had sold-out shows and an instant following.
Hermon did not have that kind of luck, but he had a passion, a talent, a determination, and an imagination that would take hold and drive him to overcome all obstacles before him in pursuit of his dream of becoming a famous artist. His parents were supportive and encouraged Hermon, but were not convinced that one could make a living as an artist, except within the boundaries of commercial art. Hermon gives credit to only one teacher for actually teaching him something in art, and that was Mr. Walsh at Hinds County Junior (Community) College in Hermon's hometown of Raymond, MS. At Southern Mississippi, his professors told him that he could not draw! The only artwork Hermon ever witnessed that they did was painting a canvas black or white and putting a red bow on it, or doing a sculptured table of nothing but boobs! Could they draw? Hmm-m-m-m! I will let you be the judge of that!
In spite of all those things, Hermon decided he had to become a full-time professional artist. He would make it work! He spent a great deal of time on each painting, creating a very nice collection of thirteen paintings for his first show in Asheville, NC. I can only remember a few of those; one was a blacksmith shop, inspired by his hometown blacksmith. The painting called "Cathy's Cat," had won a ribbon at the small show in High Point; one was a mill and stream, overgrown with folliage; and "The Bishop's Chair," a scene from the Episcopal church, where his parents were married.
As it turned out, "Cathy's Cat" was the first to sell, then Albritton's Blacksmith Shop. We kept the mill stream. Hermon's mother could not let "The Bishop's Chair" leave Raymond. We could not afford to give it to her, so she bought it and hung in her library until 2001, when she passed away and left it to Hermon. It has a prominent place in our home, where we enjoy it every day.

Aurora, Goddess of the Dawn

This painting is a commissioned piece for a prominent business woman in New York. Her company is Aurora Electric. Hermon was excited at the prospect of doing this painting, because he really gets into the fantasy story and all the details of costuming, site, props,etc. It took quite a while to find just the right model and,in fact, used a couple of different ones before the right one was chosen by the owner. Our model was perfect; her hair like spun gold-unbelievable! The photo shoots began daily at dawn and again at sunset, so the lighting would be perfect. I did make-up, hair, costume, and assisted with other needs. Hermon took lots and lots of photos to get just the perfect one. We actually set up a black fencing around our yard for privacy. It was fun and exciting. There were many wonderful shots, but the one that made the cut, we think was perfect for the painting. Aurora is opening the gates of the dawn.

Hermon is putting the finishing borders on the edges. There are eight sides to the canvas, each with a distinctive border. The filigree designs depict shapes one associates with heavenly bodies. Because it is somewhat repetitive, that has been the most tedious project for Hermon in the entire commission. I have grown very attached to this piece; when it goes to its home, it will leave an huge empty spot in the studio, and in my heart. The entire project has been a delightful experience, that I consider a highlight in our lives. Our client has been exceptional to work with.

Why did my photos post at the very bottom?

Well, I guess you found out that my photos of Hermon's work didn 't post just under the last session. They went all the way to the very bottom of all I have written. Just wanted to tell you, in case you haven't looked there yet.
It is late to begin anything new today, so I will not try. I will tell you that I am going out of town for a few days and may not have a chance to post for a few days. Hermon and I need to gather a few older photos from the early days and plan the next story. Be back soon. Sheila Adams

Fast Forward

Hermon asked me to post the originals that are available so you could get an idea of what he has been doing for the past couple of years. Some of these have been purchased. Others are showing in Studio-W Gallery in Ruidoso, NM. We are so happy to have Wayne Usery representing Hermon's work. We met at the Ruidoso Art Festival in July 2009. It turns out that Wayne has been following Hermon's career over the years and is excited about having his work. Well, we are excited that he is excited! This is not all of Hermon's available pieces. As I have photos, I will post them.

I never realized how going back all those years to the major turning points in our life together would be such an energy zapper. Nice memories. Difficult choices. New adventures. Totally stepping out on faith. Challenging times, good times, bad times. Glad we lived through them and our marriage survived, our family unite survived and has remained strong through it all. It has been said, "There is a fine line between 'faith and stupidity.'" So one can accept either, I guess, but I chose the faith-faith in God, in Hermon, and in myself. It is very clear to me.

Hope you enjoy the photos of paintings by Hermon Adams.

Hermon Adams/The Way West August 14, 2009

During the time we toured, Hermon's style of painting was becoming more consistent. He painted various subject matter, including Americana, fantasy to include the ever popular unicorn & space paintings, Native American and wildlife. His horses were fanciful and striking. Hermon really had a grasp of the horse's anatomy. Each time he painted a unicorn, it sold immediately for $85. Once he had painted a black horse bust that went to many shows with us, but would not sell. One of the artists, Francisco, said, as he walked by our display, " Paint a horn on him, Hermon, and he will sell." That is just what he did. So Hemon painted a golden eye and horn on the horse; as soon as he did, a man named Einehorn (German for One Horn) bought it! We were amazed. It seemed he had a magic formula for a sure sale now! That was very exciting!

It was really expensive travelling to the art shows. Not only were there travelling expenses and camping, we had business expenses of show fees, painting materials, display, lighting, frames, ect., on top of normal everyday bills and expenses that everyone has in life. The work was physically hard with all the loading, unloading carrying, putting together a display, with each space being different,framing and hanging the artwork, the long travel time, and set-up time after mall hours. The show would begin the following morning and stay open until the mall closed at 10pm each evening. (It is a good thing we were young. Hermon and I just did a huge show in Ruidoso, NM last month, and it took us two weeks to recover!) When I look back, I honestly don't know how we managed to do it. Hermon was on a mission. I was his sidekick. And we had some great company. Everyone was in the same boat. Everyone looked after one another. We became lifelong friends with a few of the artists and still keep in touch. We had a travelling neighborhood of families, couples, singles, young and old. So it was not lonely or boring.

When it was time for Jim and I to stop travelling and have our baby, the entire group of over fifty people gave me a surprise baby shower to match all baby showers. A meeting had been called, and unbeknownst to me, they had put together this event, refreshments and a conference table piled high with beautifully wrapped packages for our new baby. When we arrived and I realized what this was all about, I turned to Hermon and just cried. All these wonderful people had touched our lives in a special way. I was totally overwhelmed. There was no expense spared; each gift was unbelievable. It was one of the most memorable times of my life! And to get 50+ artists out of bed and to a meeting the morning after we closed down a show! WOW! Were we impressed! It makes me smile to this very day. We went to Auburn, AL, where my folks had rented an apartment for Jim and I to live while Hermon continued his travels. We enjoyed our time near the family. When Baby Robert arrived, August 27, 1978, Hermon called ATA, the Artist Touring Association to tell them and they announced it over the mall loud speaker.

After having discussed the best direction to take the family and career, Hermon decided that we needed to return to Raymond, MS and set up shop in his Dad's old law office down the street from his mother's home. We lived there and ran the studio with baby in playpen and Jim in Kindergarten, until we found a place of our own.

With one hurdle after another, and selling his artwork too cheaply, Hermon decided to spend more time on each painting and raise the prices to reach another clientel. He had also developed a system to mass produce, by hand, his Indian portraits on leather. Some were round with rope and feathers, some were hangings with leather straps, feathers and turquiose embellishment. Hermon and I did the handwork on each piece. We had started our reproduction business on the word of a distributor from Minnesota, who promised to buy all we could make. After a hefty investment, he renegued on our agreement. We had done a Christmas Show in Birmingham, AL, where Hermon's work was very well received and his best works sold. We made several thousand dollars at that show. We took the leather Indians, as we called them, to the Atlanta New Products Market. We didn't have success with that. We did a prestigeous art show in Winston-Salem, NC. No sales. The last ditch effort was a rodeo in New Orleans, where our trailer got stuck in a bog for two days. Our two boys had a great time at the rodeo, but all the customers wanted was a beer and a cowboy hat. In the spring of 1980, every single plan that we had made, fell through one by one. How discourage we were. After much deliberation,planning,and expense, with little return, we packed up our business and our home and left Raymond for a journey west.

Hermon Adams, Artist~The Early Years

Who is Hermon Adams?  Where did he get his start as a fine artist?  Where is Hermon today?  The following story will tell of some Hermon's experiences and the obstacles he has overcome to keep on his path.  Each day, I will relay stories from the past and when I figure it out, I will post photos of interest. I am Hermon's wife, Sheila, of forty-one years and his biggest fan, along with sons, Jim & Rob, and his newest fans Brooke, Rob's wife, and Corban Adams, age 3.
      Hermon Adams is a self-taught fine artist who paints in a romantic, realism style.  Painting horses, Native Americans, wildlife, landscapes, and fantasy that draws you into his world to tell the stories the artwork reveals. No one can teach what he can do.  Hermon says the imagination is the key to the talent.  Hard work and painting every day is the way to learn to paint the image.
              
While living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, before Hermon went on the road with the Artist Touring Association, he worked as Art Director for a photographic studio that put out catalogs for the furniture market.  Hermon had been under a great amount of stress that year, because the Monday after having closed the loan on our new house the Friday before, Hermon had been fired from the job doing architectural renderings that took us from Charlotte to Winston-Salem. His boss had waited until Hermon had completed the last rendering he had on the easel, before he sent someone else to inform Hermon that they would no longer be needing his services.  We had just moved into the house over the weekend.  I will never forget the look on Hermon's face when he greeted me that afternoon!  He turned ashen and had a look of total terror on his face.  The whole situation sent terror into our hearts.  Our baby was five months old and I wasn't working.
                  Hermon went to an employment agency, then to a placement bureau, creating a job for himself placing artists.  He then found his job at Aldermann Studios, the largest photographic studio in the world.  They made the Sears catalog, along with other catalogs for the furniture market.While beginning at Alderman Studios in High Point, he had trained for something called "cut and but stripping."  I wasn't certain that I wanted him to go to Chicago for two weeks to learn to do this.  It sounded almost obscene!  But, as it turned out, he was the only one who could do it and it was in high demand.  (Actually, it was an advertising term used in fusing two images to seem as one.) Hermon was the best man for the job. 

Meanwhile, I wrapped up the baby and went to the first school I could find.  I had a meeting with the principal and told her of our problem.  She was wonderful and put me to work right away, doing office work.  Then onto the classroom as a substitute.  She called around and found a second grade teaching position in Rural Hall, 15 miles away.  I started the job the following January. I loved my job and taught there for five years.
                      
 Hermon bought a motorcycle for the 45-mile, twice daily trip back and forth from Winston to High Point.  One afternoon, it came a downpour!  Hermon had no rain gear.  The lady that worked with him, Kathy, was recruited into one of Hermon's quick-fix ideas.  They  took visquene, cut it into a body suit to be taped with silver duct tape.  Hermon was lying on the floor, spread eagle, while Kathy was dutifully taping the crotch area, when who should walk in but the big boss!  Try explaining that one!  Kathy was horrified.  The poor girl.  (Years later, she applauded me for having lasted so long and getting sucked into Hermon's endless schemes.)

We learned many lessons during our early years.  We both worked hard to better ourselves and to keep our family healthy, happy and prosperous.  Hermon had a big dream of becoming a famous  artist.  I wanted to be part of his dream and keep my dream alive, that of being a good wife, mother, and partner to the love of my life. 

Today, we live in Prescott, AZ, have seen both sons complete school, find honorable careers, and one has begun a family of his own.  Hermon has done many things that have made his artwork known all over the world.  He has to his credit over forty-eight sold-out limited edition lithographs of his artwork.  He has had licensing agreements wth the Franklin Mint and Bradford Exchange for collector plates, Leanin'Tree & Tree Free for greeting cards, Hasbro for Milton Bradley puzzles, western book covers, calendars, tee shirts from The Mountain, and various and sundry small items of interest.  His collectors  include Raymond James Financial CEO, hotel magnate Richard Kessler, the Roy Rodgers family, Burt Reynolds and the crown prince of Jordan, Ambassador to the United States.  His paintings hang in several museums, banks, board rooms, and corporate offices. 
                        

Hermon Adams

Western subjects, landscapes, Native Americans, cowboys, horses, fantasy, and wildlife are Hermon's primary subject matter. According to Hermon, "The important things in a painting are beauty, light, depth, and meaning." He accomplishes this in each of his paintings, creating a style that is unmistakably his own.

Hermon was born on September 14, 1945, in Raymond, Mississippi. He began painting at a very early age, selling his first painting by the age of 15. Hermon's artwork, especially the horses, reflects the influences growing up with and training horses, working on his family's cattle farm and on ranches, close by, and in Texas. Hermon received an Associates Degree from Hinds Community College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1968.

Allow me to introduce myself, I am Sheila Adams, Hermon's wife of forty-one years. I will be telling Hermon's story for him, along with some of my input. Hermon asked me to do this for him, while he spends his time doing what he does best, telling his stories in oils and acrylics on canvas. So bear with me and I think you will enjoy some of the interesting adventures that he has had in his journey of life as an artist.

We married right out of college, I graduated with a BS degree in Elementary Education. At that time, there were only about 3 degrees for women: nursing, teaching, office management. So I became an elementary teacher, which I truly loved. However, had I known I would be in charge of everything other than painting in a small business, I would have taken bookkeeping and office management. Oh, well. My journey has been no less exciting than Hermon's.

Hermon served two years in the Army, after which he worked for several years in commercial art, before beginning painting full time in 1977. He began touring with Artist Touring Association , a group of travelling artists who sold their artwork in malls, following the sun back east, from Miami in Jan. to Maine in July and back again. That in itself was a true adventure. Hermon took 13 paintings to Ashville, NC in a U-haul trailer pulled by his MGB. He was accused of being the only artist who brought his own garage. He stayed in a motel there for the first show. When his expenses were more than his income at that first show, Hermon knew he must cut costs. He slept in the trailer. Jim, four, and I joined him in the summer. Hermon had bought a 1955 Dodge Openroad overhead camper, that sort of leaned to one side. It had a potty, kitchen, sofa, table, refridgerator, double bed in the cabover, a little heater, no hot water heater, but we had our own patio! It was quite the sight to see. But we thought it was fun, except for the no hot water! We went to Binghamton, Albany, and Buffalo, NY that summer. Some of the shows lasted for ten days. Set up was always after the mall closed and we would not get finished until way after midnight. Afterward, some of us met at Denny's for supper. We met some wonderful other artists and quickly made friends. When school began once more, Jim and I went home and Hermon continued to travel, being on the road for several weeks at the time. That was a trying time for all of us. Hermon sacrificed in so many ways in order to send money home to help with the bills, sometimes not eating for days. Jim missed his Daddy so much that it hurt and he acted out and cried a lot. And so did I. It was difficult to keep things going at home and at school by myself. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Jim went to daycare while I was at school. It all made for long days. Nothing could replace Hermon at home.

Hermon Adams Artist Life and Works

HERMON ADAMS

Western subjects, landscapes, Native Americans, cowboys, horses, fantasy, and wildlife are Hermon's primary subject matter. According to Hermon, "the important things in a painting are beauty, light, depth and meaning." He accomplishes this in each of his paintings, creating a style that is unmistakably his own.

(Let me introduce myself, I am Sheila Adams, the artist's wife of forty-one years. I will be the author of this blog, so that Hermon can tend to his best and foremost calling in life, creating stories through his glorious paintings. I am certain that he will definitely have plenty of input. No doubt, especially since it is about him. And we wouldn't want you to be disappointed that he isn't writing it. Trust me, this works best for us. Otherwise, there would be no blog!)

Hermon was born on September 14, 1945 in Raymond, Mississippi. He began painting at a very early age, selling his first painting by the age of 15. Hermon's arwork, especially the horses, reflects the influence growing up with and training horses, working on his family cattle farm and on ranches, close by and in Texas. Hermon received an Associates Degree from Hinds Community College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1968.

Hermon married Sheila Diane Hembree, and with an interruption of two years serving in the Army, he worked for several years in commercial art, before beginning painting full time in 1977.

Hermon followed his heart west in 1981, settling with his wife, Sheila, and their two sons, Jim and Rob, in Prescott, Arizona in 1984. (We had spent those "missing years" summers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, winters in Wickenburg, AZ and Mesa, AZ on great adventures; we will elaborate upon at a later time.)

The artist began his own publishing company in 1988, and currently has 48 sold-out limited edition edition lithographs to his credit. Hermon has proven to be one of the Franklin Mint's best-selling plate artists. He has had his images produced on Landmark Calendars, on Max Brand paperback books from Leisure Books, and on playing cards, magnets, and mugs. Hermon's images can be found on Leanin' Tree greeting cards, Candimar Designs on cross stitch, on MIlton Bradley puzzles, and on collector plates from the Bradfor Exchange, the Mountain tee shirt company and on Tree Free greeting cards.

Hermon has lectured for various art groups and colleges. His award winning artwork is currently displayed in galleries throughout the United States and abroad. Hermon's originals are in the collections of financier Raymond James, actors Burt Reynolds and Chuck Norris, hotel magnate, Richard Kessler, the Roy Rogers family, and many other prominent collectors.

Hermon paintings and reproductions have proven to appreciate in value, in addition to the beauty and inspiration each piece can bring to itw owner for years to come. ( from Hermon's Biography)

About ten years ago, Hermon invested in a Roland Archival Printer, along with a Mac computer, named "Big Bertha," began his journey into self publishing using Photoshop. (I must give credit to two of our dearest friends who made all this possible: Alissa Harvey and Don Teale.) Hermon spent the next year experimenting and teaching himself everything he knows about photoshop. (Not only can the man paint like no one else, he is a master of photoshop, as well.)He produces his own gicle`es (a reproduced image using archival, pigmented inks of longevity) on canvas and has recently introduced his photographs on canvas.