Markie Simmons
, the retirement counselor at Monarch Landing, says residents such as Dick are good examples of what the community offers to its residents.
"Our residents have so many activities to choose from," Markie says. "Whether it’s swimming in the aquatics center, exercising in the fitness center, playing poker or billiards in the game room, taking advantage of the creative arts studio, or joining a club or committee, our residents are so busy living a great life.
"Residents such as Dick are the perfect example of how the people who live at Monarch Landing have so much time to pursue their interests, since they do not have to worry about shoveling snow, taking care of their lawn, fixing appliances inside their home, driving to doctors’ appointments, or preparing dinner."
The majority of Dick’s paintings and sculptures are of ships.
"My wife and I are both avid sailors," he says. "We had a 44-foot boat we sailed on various islands in the Caribbean. We love the sea, the sound of the waves, watching them. We are fascinated by them. I make ships out of stained glass."
Will share hobby with neighbors
Dick says he does not plan to host any formal teaching sessions, but will be more than willing to offer help to any neighbors who have an interest in painting and sculpting.
"I am not a teacher and do not pretend to be," Dick says. "But I hope to help other people by teaching them what I have learned. I have a considerable amount of books about ships and the sea, and on all forms of art and sculpture painting. I can share my books with them."
Dick says his new neighbors have taken note of his paintings and sculptures.
"I have been very flattered by the people who apparently are impressed with my work," he says. "It is almost embarrassing. But I have to admit I enjoy the compliments."
Love of art leads to the love of his life
Dick’s interest in paintings and sculpture led him to his wife.
In 1947, when he was working as a chemical engineer at a refinery in Texas, Dick went into the cafeteria and noticed a group of women eating lunch. One of the women in particular got his attention.
"I was struck by this good-looking redhead," Dick says. "I learned she was a new chemist who worked at the refinery laboratory. I found out her name was Drew. At that time I was taking a course in portrait painting, and one of the requirements was to do a portrait. I got up my nerve to approach this young lady. I told her I was looking for a model I could paint a portrait of.
"She became my model. She was a good sport about it. We had a series of what I would call dates, where I painted her portrait. It led to more serious dates. After we were married I painted another portrait of her, which she liked better than the first one I did."
Hobby picked up after retirement
After Dick retired from Texaco Inc. in 1981, he took up some of the hobbies he had been pursuing since he was a child, including artwork and painting. He also joined the Naperville Art League, where he met world-famous painter Charles Vickery.
"I was very fortunate to meet Charles," Dick says. "When I became acquainted with Charles, I really became interested in painting. For ten years, I was Charles’ student. He was very helpful to me and guided me."
Never stop learning new tricks
Dick is working on a new form of sculpture using polymer clay.
"It can be baked in the oven at a relatively low temperature," Dick says. "It stays soft until you bake it. You can make figures with it. I am excited about the possibilities for what I can do with polymer clay."