Early Essick Art

How did Dempsey's artistic talent manifest itself in the years prior to his art career which began at age 35?

These paintings may help answer those questions.

These paintings, done in oil, chalk, and pastel, were completed during Dempsey's Junior High School years.

(First image) Completed in 1970 during this sophomore year, this watercolor hung in a public showing at Davidson County Community College where Dempsey was offered $10 for it even though it was Marked NFS. $10 was a lot way back then. (Second, third, fourth image) While still a high school student, Dempsey painted life size murals on the walls of the story hour room at the North Davidson Public Library. Now years later, the images of the Cat in the Hat, Charlie Brown, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are untouched and remain in excellent condition for all to enjoy. Pink-ie, our librarian, will gladly allow you a peek-ie.

In the early years of marriage, Dempsey did several watercolor paintings as gifts for friends

and family

.

This watercolor (far left) was painted by Dempsey as a gift to Shelley on their first wedding anniversary. She is an Aquarius and this represents the Water Bearer. The second painting was done to commemorate their first Valentine's Day together. The mouse with berries was done in 1976 to commemorate the arrival of John Dempsey Essick, Jr.