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I have been creating things since I was old enough to hold a pencil, a crayon or a needle. You may be surprised what you find here.

Monday, June 20, 2011

"Fast" Eddie Watkins


First a disclaimer: I did not paint this painting.

This weekend my husband, thinking that I had no cash on me, invited me to join him on a trip to the transfer station. Our transfer station has a 'second chance store' where locals donate stuff they no longer want but think someone else might. I'm not sure who actually gets the money from the transactions that occur here (not the folks that drop stuff off, that much I know). I like to browse this 'store' because you never know what you might find. These days I am looking for frames that I can use on my paintings. I have bought several frames from him in the past and saved a bundle on framing.

This was a particularly nice frame for an 18"x24" canvas. The fellow wanted $20, I had $18 - we made a deal and the whole thing went into the back of the car.

As per my usual practice, I look at who signed the art and look them up on -line. The artists of the paintings I have bought from here in the past have had no presence on line that I could find, so I had no compunctions about getting rid of the artwork in one form or another. I have been known to save the stretcher bars or gesso over and re-use the canvas for practice.

This time, I discovered I had purchased a piece of art with a great story. "Fast" Eddie Watkins was a notorious bank robber who was on the FBI's most wanted list for a period of time. He took up painting in prison. You can read his story here.

So now I have a painting with a wonderful story, and it looks like it will remain in it's frame and hang someplace in my home as a conversation piece. Don't you just love a good find?

3 comments:

  1. I find this very interesting. For awhile in the mid 60's my father was Fast Eddie's accomplice. I remember the man very well, he used to throw me up in the air and give me quarters to run to the Lawson store. I liked him, my Mom hated him, she knew something was up.

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    Replies
    1. Mary, I love the fact that you knew him. it just adds to the story. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  2. I find this interesting. In the mid 60's my Dad was one of Fast Eddie's accomplices. I remember him well, he used to throw me up in the air (I was 5)and give me quarters for the Lawson next store. I liked him, my Mom hated him, she knew he was up to no good. Just thought you would like a little more history.

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