Millie Anderson
FPA 2009 CAPA Honored Artist
I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, shortly before the bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War II. I grew up in San Bernardino, CA, where I met my husband, Richard. We have been married 49 years. We raised 2 daughters and 1 son.
As the family was maturing I took time out to learn to drive an 18 wheeler truck with my husband in order to financially support my art expenses. While in college studying oil painting, I became more and more drawn towards porcelain painting. My Great-Grandmother was an influence on me, for she painted porcelain plates in the 1890's as a young woman. My quest was on to learn how to paint porcelain.
I was most fortunate to find a teacher named, Barbara Duncan. I begged her to please accept me as a beginning student, assuring her I was an art major and painting china couldn't be that difficult to learn! Boy, nothing like putting your foot in your mouth. I spent 4 months practicing brush strokes and mixing paints before I painted my first piece. With Barbara's assistance my first plate was roses which I treasure with pride to this day.
After 2 years we moved to Clovis, CA, where I met Jean Harper in a seminar she had. I continued studying and learning everything I could from her. I consider myself blessed to have 2 great teachers who encourage me with my art. I've been painting since October, 1978, and probably will meet my Maker while holding a paint brush in my hand. Those who know me know my addiction I have for this art.
I'm now currently retired from my custom tile painting business of 25 years. Now I can enjoy my Grandchildren more. My oldest Granddaughters (twins) are in college as art majors with one being a recipient of our scholarship from CAPA. My youngest Granddaughter is now 6 years old and is studying china painting now with me as her teacher. It's a fulfilling emotion knowing as a Grandmother I am instrumental in furthering the education of Porcelain Art as my own Great-Grandmother had done for me.