Searching – Male by John Henry Waddell

John Henry Waddell

Joh>John Henry Waddell, born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1921, began teaching art to adults when he was 16. After Army service, he achieved his MFA and MAE from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Waddell headed art education at the New Bauhaus in Chicago, then at Arizona State University, before retiring from university teaching at age 40 to allow full time for his mostly figurative art. March 25, 1949 Waddell married artist Ruth Holland who became the artist’s muse, inspiring him both in life and art. Through the decades Ruth appeared in many of his paintings and sculptures. John also became a primary muse in Ruth’s work.

Ruth Holland Waddell

Born in Chicago, Illinois November 23, 1925, Ruth Waddell began drawing and painting early in life and attended the Art Institute in Chicago before other responsibilities intervened. She says she «began again at square one» when she returned to making her own art in 1996. Ruth is inspired by people, she is inspired by nature. She states: “In beginning each new painting, pastel, drawing or sculpture there is more unknown than known. My wish is to deliver the emotional impact that the subject has on me. In the process, I inevitably discover more about the subject and its environment as I work.”