OCThen reader Michelle submits her memories of Claude Bell's Artist Shack at Knott's Berry Farm...
Knotts Berry Farm! One of my favorite places to ride out a cold!If you had a portrait drawn at Knott's Berry Farm between 1955 and 1960, Michelle's mom probably drew it.
My Mom Moselle Townsend was one of the Pastel Artists there when I was young! Above Claude Bell's Artist Shack was a patio roof with umbrella chairs and a table and when I was sick Mom would take me there to relax and read while she worked!
For lunch I get to meander around and visit Motts Minatures, the gold panning area and some great old ladies in prairie bonnets. Being sick was a priviledge! I loved to eat at Mrs Knotts Kitchen, is that what was it called? Bosenberry Pie is still my favorite to this day, rubarb in syrup and the greatest fried chicken and gravy! Wasn't there a great little dish of bacon and cabbage too?
I still have the want ad mom cut from the newpaper. Claude Bell was looking for a pastel artist to do portraits and my mom thought she could do it so she drew my sister, brother, dad, me and our friends from Lakewood all in one week and then went down and applied for the job and got it. I am not sure how long she worked there but it helped buy her supplies while she got her MFA at Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles.
I have often wondered how many portraits she might have painted over the years she was there? I think she might have been there for about 4 years! Perhaps 1955 to 1960.
I went to High School in Whittier in the 60's and my dad use to drive us down to Retail Clerks, the Union Hall right past Knotts Berry Farm where we could dance for $1.00 with great groups like the Righteous Brothers! Growing up at that time was really fun. Michelle.
I'm a blogger and internet marketer, motorcycle rider, and craft beer lover.
I remember your Mother well, I believe she liked to be called Liz? She was one of my Father's best artists and her talent was extrodinary! My sister's and I are searching for the Artists my father employeed and there were many! I have lots of stories about your Mom and the other artists. Please drop me a line!
ReplyDeleteWendy Bell, Daughter of Claude K. Bell and Anna Bell, Portraits in Pastel
i have a pastel your mom did of john wayne i bought from you in 1980. it is a wonderful picture contact me at andy.macek@yahoo.com
DeleteCan anyone tell me which portrait artist at KBF signed his/her name Oc - c inside the O - in the Eighties? I think the artist was male. I have two remarkable sketches of my daughters and would like to know the artist's name and contact info if possible.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks -
Carol
i have a Wendy Bell portrait painted on a board. it is a lady with a red scarf. call 321-652-0567
ReplyDeleteI have a painting of Christ by Doris Anderson. She used to work for Claude Bell. As a young man I had became good friends with Claude and Walter Knott. We would sit on the bench in front of the old saloon and watch tourist. Great people and great memories.
ReplyDeletemy mom and dad had chalk pastelle done in 1971 on there honeymoon do you know the artist
ReplyDeleteI have some numbered bronze sculptures of mermaids with the mark of C Bell. We aquired these about 25 years ago.
ReplyDelete