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A PORTRAIT OF DOUG EBLEN

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emories in motion Faded photographs and jumbo rolls of home movies never seem to grow tiresome as we strive to keep the past alive. Artists who specialize in the renovation of an interesting place, a memorable vacation or

that special person by using only a photograph, are unique in their profession and are quickly gaining popularity.

“My Hero”

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Doug Eblen of Celina, Ohio, is a watercolor artist who relishes in painting other people’s memories. Feeling a character, expressing the emotion and portraying uncanny resemblances are challenges that this artist loves to conquer. Born and raised in Celina, Doug was the youngest of three brothers and had a younger sister. The late fifties offered very little in the way of developing artistic talents in children, but one television show that Eblen remembers as being a large influence in his life was “Learn to Draw with John Nagy” which previewed on Saturday mornings. He also took art classes throughout his school years, remembering some very good teachers. A three-year stint in the United States Air Force occupied Doug after high school. He came home and married his high school sweetheart, Judy. Three children, thirty-two years at the Postal Service and lots and lots of memories later, time has brought Eblen back to where he started with his interest in painting. Purchasing a few simple learn to paint books and a starter set of paints, Doug settled into semi-retirement in 2002 with a long awaited goal in mind. His first attempt at painting was a monochromatic piece. He was hooked immediately with his preferred media in watercolors. “I have taken a few workshops, but am mostly self taught,” said Doug of his study of painting. A vision of his own past, “My

Hero” is a permanent recollection of another time when nothing could compare to the wind whipping across your face, dust exploding, while riding on a summer’s day. Doug would perch on the fuel tank of the huge Harley Davidson, protected by the strong arms of his older brother, not a fear or care in the world. Water colored in a 33”x42” frame; this piece will always remain in Doug’s private collection. “Jane’s Mom and Dad” was created from a black and white 1930 photo of a client’s dating parents.

Watercolor in a 16”x 20” frame, the painting recaptures what the foggy snapshot failed to; that twinkle in her eye and the light shimmering through wind tossed hair. Only an artist can feel this character, express the emotion and portray the unique tributes of the treasured couple. Doug and Judy Eblen have visited many places across America, from Fargo, North Dakota to Bar Harbor, Maine, enjoying being avid bike riders. > See Eblen next page

“Jane’s Mom and Dad”

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Eblen < Continued from previous page “We also enjoy hiking and camping and plan to do a lot more of all of these after we really get retired,” Doug and Judy, both agreeing. Journeys on their tandem have opened doors to many characters, many climates of activity and a genuine understanding in creating personal memories by putting snapshots to canvas. When not cycling, hiking or camping, Doug and Judy enjoy the company of their three grown, married children and eleven grandchildren, all live within walking distance of their home. “Masai Warrior” and “Masai Wife #1” will become a series of three because of the second wife. “They are very beautiful people, trying to hold on to their culture in these modern times,” said Doug.

Sometimes, the memory of a certain event or an untouchable scene, such as Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist” will become Doug’s project. The original Picasso may not hang on the wall but that day of encounter is priceless. The smells, the surroundings, all are brought back to life with the replica. This 37”x27” copy of Picasso in watercolor, was created for a local customer. “A Stitch in time” records a Parisian while “she was quietly mending her shoe, and was not aware of being watched,” tells artist Eblen. Today, Doug Eblen is an active member of the West Central Ohio Art League, the Wassenberg Art Center, the

Visual Arts Network and the Ohio Watercolor Society. “I have yet to try and get into a gallery, baby steps, you know,” replies Eblen when asked about shows. Even though Doug still considers his painting a hobby, his clients beg to differ. The work of Eblen can often be found displayed at the Richardson Bretz Building in Celina, Ohio and Wassenberg Art Center in Van Wert, Ohio. Doug has received numerous awards in surrounding art shows and has been accepted in many juried competitions. Prices for commissioned work range from approximately $100 to $500, determined by cost of size, time and framing. Memories in motion that only Doug Eblen can capture. Time to trade in those baby shoes, Doug.

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