Winter shares stories and art

The most humble beginnings sometimes produce the most accomplished artists.

Artist Roger Winter visited Eastfield on Nov. 16 for a presentation about surviving the changing art world. His presentation focused on growing up in Dennis, Texas during the Great Depression, his  beginnings in art and how digital imaging is affecting the "traditional" ways of painting.

With only a few supplies and a passion in his heart, Winter found inspiration in the simple things. He created art from an early age based on his love of nature.

 "My mother saved these, roughly, 5-by-10 inch pasteboards for my drawing paper," Winter said, "My pencil was inevitably a No. 2 with a pink eraser on the top, and I would carry it in the small front pocket of my overalls. Just in case."

As he got older, Winter explored different types of artistic techniques. Oil, acrylic, canvas and clay where all mediums he used while trying to find his own style.

He would often take photographs of scenery that appealed to him and adapt the image in the form of pencil and paint.

In 1956, Winter graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelors degree in Fine Arts. He then earned his masters degree from the University of Iowa.

After leaving Iowa he began teaching beginning drawing at SMU. The fresh faces he saw reminded him of his own beginnings.

"The proper description of a painter's work would be like a very intimate journal. It not just changes through the decade, but also changes through the week. And if you are younger, in a confused state, it can change many times in one day!"

Winter said it is important for creative people such as artists and writers to be in touch with their inner child.

"Once I drew an imagined boy that I drew to be my friend. I hid the drawing way back of my family's property because I wanted him to turn into a real boy," Winter said. "I was sad when it didn't happen, but happy that I thought it could. I'm glad that I thought there was a magical element."

Winter went on to talk about how art has changed over the years. He said traditional artist like himself have been challenged by new types of imagery, including digital art.

Students were impressed with how friendly Winter was during his visit.

"It made me feel way more comfortable with art, seeing him being very down to earth. When I've met other artists, they are all very egocentric and in love with themselves and stuff," said Melissa Aldana, SGA Social service chair. "He's more approachable."

Future artists found inspiration in Winter's stories. Some stories were comical, some were heartbreaking, and others about his children offered insight into his life. They said the stories about his   struggle to become an artist make him human.

 "It's amazing how much talent people have," science major Greg Vaughn said. "They create something that looks so real. You can take a trip into their mind, visit with their conscience."