Publisher's Synopsis
Introduction I compiled this self help book, "How to sell LE Prints and Set-up a Display" and hope it can be of value to give you information on what to do in your Art Career. First I would like to tell you about my life. I was born on August 10, 1939 in Overton, Texas in a small shack behind the home of Horace Mill, (a White farmer) to McKinley Gipson Sr. and Rena Ervin Gipson. My father named me Therlee after his brother who died when he was an infant. My family moved to Tyler, Texas two years later. World War II started on December 7, 1941 after Japan Attacked Pearl Harbor. In 1945 my father was drafted in the U. S. Navy. However, he did not served because Germany and Japan were losing the War; when my father was released he bought a sketch book back from a friend he met in Boot Camp. I marveled at the detail pencil drawings. From that day on I wanted to become a detail pencil artist. My mother died on November 1, 1950 from breast cancer when I was only eleven years old. My father remarried three years later. I continued living with my father and extended family until the summer after I got promoted to the 12th grade I asked my father if I could volunteer for the Navy? He said it was OK with him. That was one of the best decisions I made in my entire life. I served six years in the Navy including the Navy Reserve and was honorable discharged. I decided to go to College, there I met my first wife, Trudie in the College book store the first week I enrolled in College. We graduated from Tyler Jr. College in June of 1969, Trudie with an Associated Degree in Arts and I graduated with a Certificate of Proficiency in Drafting. Trudie and I went to an Art Show of Nathan Jones, a famous Black artist in Dallas in 1974. His originals sold for thousands of dollars. Trudie told me "Therlee you can draw better than that." I said "I don't think so." "Oh, yes you can." she replied. I went back home and set up a studio and started drawing. At first it was not professional looking, so I kept drawing. The rest is history. However, our marriage ended in 1985 after three daughters were born. Thank you Trudie. I retired from LTV ( Northrop Grumman, then) in September 1999 after being employed contentiously for 30 years. WOW, what an honor to receive. I am now retired, writing and doing my detail pencil drawing as I compile this book about "How to Sell LE Prints and Set-up a Display." I give thanks to God for being with me my entire life. Keep this book as a reference guide to help you in your Art Career. Therlee Gipson
