"Ocean View Artístes" - by R K Puma
(A version of this appeared at gohamptonroads.com
now cox.net)
Red Rooster's signature print, "Ocean View Fun Spot"
See Red's 4th View Print
*Other OV Tours featuring OV Park
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Cock-a-Doodler, our own "Red Rooster" - Paul DeVaughan
Trice AKA "Red Rooster" can hardly be called a doodler, anymore than Norman
Rockwell or Grandma Moses. He got "Best in Show" (left).
Point is, illustrators are traditionally apologetic, particularly when prolific with
inimitable style. He'll crow that he works in oils and takes pride in every project. While
self-promoting, he's also wryly self-effacing, a giveaway at his being at ease with his
gifts. He’s a renaissance man of epic proportions. From Monkey Bottom, he can do it all and has: as a clown, dry cleaner, tugboat cook, beauty salon proprietor, shoe salesman, shoeshine boy, engineer, soldier and before it was cool, a Cajun restaurant and tavern owner. A man what can cook? His grandma taught him how to sew and knit. Whoa, the only thing sexier than a man at a sink, is a man at an ironing board! Sold Bay-bee! At the OV CBAA’s show (see left: as the site is today, the once proud and regal home of the Ocean View Amusement Park*) Rooster, with his ever-present smile, he neglected to tell us he'd won the Sarah Constance Historic Award and was uncharacteristically low key; unusually wistful, nostalgic in feeling the recent loss of old friend Herb Jones, widely recognized Hampton Roads artist. Folks are drawn to Red’s works for his feeling; with art donations to St. Jude’s and area organizations, he spreads good will. He’s an unheralded OV ambassador throughout Hampton Roads and Outer Banks. Here’s an unauthorized scoop: when they were both 14, Red gave Willoughby Inn's Mary Lou Lebby her first kiss. It’s out now, half a century later. Sorry kids! ~ Helen Singleton recently celebrated fifty years of painting when she became 102 years old in November 2000. We first discovered her paintings, years back hanging on her granddaughter's wall, with a particular affinity for the abstract in the den over the sofa. Becky's son Frank (Helen's great grandson) is certainly unaware that he could inherit such great talent. Helen is still painting,and finished works can be seen at the Shooting Star Gallery in Suffolk. Can't blame her for not holding onto them. Two years ago in her Ocean View home, she lost all of her works and the home in an early morning fire-- and her homeowner's insurance had lapsed so even a "guess-timated" loss couldn't be recovered. She started all over again, even with her cataracts. She still shows and work may also be seen at a Richmond folk art center, Meadow Farm Museum. We think she's not only a master of the fine arts, but the fine art of living. ~ Herb Jones is not only one of Ocean View's and Virginia's favorite artists, his work has been awarded merits, recognition and medals from Parma to Paris. His works have been used in the decor of the Library of Congress. In 1987, he honored one very stunned R K, with an interview in his studio on Beck Street. R K attended his son Bobby's birthday party there, more than forty years ago; her first beau in first grade at Mary Calcott. Herb's wife Barbara (Bobby's mom) is the sweetest lady we've ever known. At left is a print Herb signed for R K in his studio, which was acquired back in the early 1980's. He has printed nearly 200 different works, most have sold out but are often purchased on the secondary market. His biography is available in a number of publications including "Who's Who in American Art" and "Personalities of America". Here's another scoop: his younger son Lewis is a very respected artist who also grew up in Ocean View; take a look at he and his wife Susan's online gallery. Speaking of artists, WYLAND in OV?
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