Comments on: #125 Arthur Osver and Ernestine Betsberg

By: Perci Chester

Perci Chester — Sun, 06 May 2012 14:58:29 +0000

Arthur inspired respect and exuded such enthusiasm for painting when I was his student at Washington University in St Louis.

By: Gail Wilkerson

Gail Wilkerson — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:51:23 +0000

Thank you for the wonderful tribute of my 2 favorite people. I miss them greatly.

Would love for the author to produce the same for my late husband Jerry. A retrospective exhibit will be opening at SLUMA 3/28/08 and think I could give you information, etc to make it most productive/ for you and be a real tribute to Jerry.
Thank you again, very well done, and to see my friends again.

Gail Wilkerson

By: Paul F. Flotron

Paul F. Flotron — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 21:23:18 +0000

If you would allow me to take the liberty to offer a suggestion. The deeply touching video you so beautifully created is remeniscent of a photo montage of Arthur and Ernestine I was privileged to view at a joint exhibit opening reception held in 1988 at Philip Samuels Art Gallery (Saint Louis, Missouri).

I confess I was flooded with emotion when I saw the pictures of Arthur and Ernestine from the time when they first met and covering the nearly six decades filled with an abundant true love. Viewing the photos, I became keenly aware that I was gazing at love itself — the very epitome of what love is what Arthur & Ernestine displayed to the world before them. Arthur and Ernestine did this through the love they shared in addition to how they invested themselves into the lives of others as well as of course through the gorgeous artwork they created.

My suggestion to you as a highly gifted video/film producer and artist, is to put together a video montage of Arthur and Ernestine from when they first met at the Art Institute of Chicago in the 1930s and throughout their entire lives spent together as internationally acclaimed artists. Just as I described in the photo album at Philip Samuels Art Gallery back in 1988.

I am eternally grateful for you allowing me to take this opportunity to propose such a concept and project.

Respectfully yours,

Paul Flotron

By: Michaelis Mentler

Michaelis Mentler — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 14:06:56 +0000

Arthur was a beautiful person as well as a marvelous painter. I had to great fortune of having both the experience of mentor and friend.
When I intended Washington U. he was the brightest star in a star studded array of fine instructors. The most important aspect that one took from Master Osver was his professionalism and the manner in which he conducted himself and his life. I now live in Dallas and had the great pleasure of knowing one of Arthurs lifelong friend Donald Vogel who also passed away recently. Both are deeply missed. When I was in St.Louis and needed to brighten my day I would stop by Arthur’s and talk about art and life both of which he was a master.

The same can be said about Donald Vogel. Two very rare treasures indeed.
It is not surprising that they were the closest of friends for over 70 years.

By: elyse

elyse — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 08:43:35 +0000

This was the most touching film. Arthur Osver was my painting teacher at Wash U. in the early 70′s. He was a lovely, gentle man. Thank you for sharing this film.

By: Paul F. Flotron

Paul F. Flotron — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 20:18:33 +0000

I consider to be one of the greatest privileges in my life to have known Arthur and Ernestine for 22 years. Words alone can not truly capture how much the friendship Arthur and I shared for this span of time. In fact, Arthur not only inspired me through the remarkable life he led, but he deeply touched my heart through the undying care as we reached out to one another in friendship. I adoringly and affectionately took the liberty of adopting Arthur and Ernestine as my surrogate grandparents. I share this because I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing with the world through your wonderful video, the insightful, sensitive, and wisdom imparted by this beautiful couple. Now, Arthur is creating his melodic and colorful paintings in heaven using an even larger canvas than ever before.

Heartfelt thanks!

Paul Flotron

By: tracy drissell

tracy drissell — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 17:51:43 +0000

This piece is moving and captures a bit of the artists for the future. Both Ernestine and Arthur are receiving the first ever Lifetime Achievement award presented by the Webster Groves Arts Commission today.

By: becky o'keefe

becky o'keefe — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 02:56:20 +0000

Wow, I googled Arthur Osver, and found your piece. What a treat. I’ve been fasinated by Osver’s work since I read about him in St. Louis mag this past summer. Thanks so much, Becky

By: missb

missb — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 19:45:31 +0000

Streeter, that was fabulous.

By: Peatnik

Peatnik — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 14:20:50 +0000

What an amazing piece…I would say this is some of you best work!
Arthur and Ernestine what an inspiration! thanks for this man!

By: Steve Ryan

Steve Ryan — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 02:34:34 +0000

This is a gem. People of substance with long careers doing what they loved doing. It even has a love story.

By: Enric

Enric — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:58:20 +0000

That was very moving and masterfully edited with the music.

By: Alexander

Alexander — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:43:30 +0000

Though I don’t know much about art, this one is a very beautiful retrospective!

By: John Leeke

John Leeke — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 23:07:04 +0000

A nice piece. Thank you.

John