Harvest Time, Estremadura

This painting truly challenged Eileen’s skill, patience, and perseverance. It took three frustrating efforts to “get it right.” She began with a design that pleased her, then painted the full sheet watercolor (22 x 30 inches). “It was terrible!” she said. She started all over. “Another failure! I decided I was probably through as an artist.” Recovering from that blow, she started all over again. “This time I made it! Finally. I was pleased. If anything, I am persistent.” The painting won the Henry Ward Ranger Purchase Fund Award of the National Academy of Design and the Ted Kautzky Award of the American Watercolor Society at their annual competitive exhibitions in 1958.