Walt Owen

Streaming video - 2015

Art was a major part of Walt Owen's life for nearly eight decades, and his artistic talent earned him international acclaim. During WW II he was feted as one of America's best war production cartoonists; then in 1971 NASA recruited him as the "artist of record" for the Apollo 15 moon launch. These lasting images reveal a part of who Walt Owen was; however, as we discover here, the more compelling story of this self-effacing man is that he devoted most of his professional life to teaching. His lifetime commitment to education inspired generation after generation of young people to learn the joys and rewards associated with having art as a part of their lives. Well into his 80s Walter remained active and continued to share... his talents with students, urging them to pursue their passions and forge their own unique path. He loved to show them his famous "Walt Owen 14-Point Figure Drawing System" and teach them basic cartooning techniques. His art lessons were certainly designed to instruct, but more importantly they inspired youngsters to believe in themselves, to explore new personal horizons, and to be as much an original as was Walt Owen. "Highly Recommended Walt Owen - artist, cartoonist, and beloved educator"¦how many people he inspired, we'll never know. But thanks to this excellent program we learn why this dedicated individual touched the hearts and motivated the artistic drive of so many." -National Media Review more