ournal

A PORTRAIT OF DOUG EBLEN

 emories in motion
Faded photographs and jumbo rolls of
home movies never seem to grow tiresome
as we strive to keep the past alive. Artists
who specialize in the renovation of an
interesting place, a memorable vacation or
that special person by using only a photograph, are unique in
their profession and are quickly gaining popularity.

“My Hero”

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 Doug Eblen of
Celina, Ohio, is a
watercolor artist
who relishes in
painting other
people’s memories.
Feeling a character,
expressing the
emotion and
portraying uncanny
resemblances are
challenges that this
artist loves to
conquer.
Born and raised in Celina, Doug
was the youngest of three brothers
and had a younger sister. The late
fifties offered very little in the way of
developing artistic talents in
children, but one television show
that Eblen remembers as being a
large influence in his life was “Learn
to Draw with John Nagy” which
previewed on Saturday mornings.
He also took art classes throughout
his school years, remembering some
very good teachers.
A three-year stint in the United
States Air Force occupied Doug after
high school. He came home and
married his high school sweetheart,
Judy. Three children, thirty-two
years at the Postal Service and lots
“Jane’s Mom and Dad”
and lots of memories later, time has
brought Eblen back to where he
started with his interest in painting. Hero” is a permanent recollection of Watercolor in a 16”x 20” frame, the
Purchasing a few simple learn to another time when nothing could painting recaptures what the foggy
paint books and a starter set of compare to the wind whipping snapshot failed to; that twinkle in
paints, Doug settled into semi- across your face, dust exploding, her eye and the light shimmering
retirement in 2002 with a long while riding on a summer’s day. through wind tossed hair. Only an
awaited goal in mind. His first Doug would perch on the fuel tank artist can feel this character, express
attempt at painting was a of the huge Harley Davidson, the emotion and portray the unique
monochromatic piece. He was protected by the strong arms of his tributes of the treasured couple.
hooked immediately with his older brother, not a fear or care in Doug and Judy Eblen have visited
preferred media in watercolors. “I the world. Water colored in a many places across America, from
have taken a few workshops, but am 33”x42” frame; this piece will always Fargo, North Dakota to Bar Harbor,
mostly self taught,” said Doug of his remain in Doug’s private collection. Maine, enjoying being avid bike
study of painting. “Jane’s Mom and Dad” was riders.
A vision of his own past, “My created from a black and white 1930
photo of a client’s dating parents. > See Eblen next page

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 Eblen
< Continued from previous page

“We also enjoy hiking and camping

and plan to do a lot more of all of
these after we really get retired,”
Doug and Judy, both agreeing.
Journeys on their tandem have
opened doors to many characters,
many climates of activity and a
genuine understanding in creating
personal memories by putting
snapshots to canvas. When not
cycling, hiking or camping, Doug
and Judy enjoy the company of their
three grown, married children and
eleven grandchildren, all live within
walking distance of their home.
“Masai Warrior” and “Masai
Wife #1” will become a series of
three because of the second wife.
“They
are very
beautiful
people,
trying to
hold on
to their
culture in
these
modern
times,”
said
Doug.

Sometimes, the memory of a certain

event or an untouchable scene, such
as Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist” will
become Doug’s project. The original
Picasso may not hang on the wall
but that day of encounter is
priceless. The smells, the
surroundings, all are brought back to
life with the replica. This 37”x27”
copy of Picasso in watercolor, was
created for a local customer.
“A Stitch in time” records a
Parisian while “she was quietly
mending her shoe, and was not
aware of being watched,” tells artist
Eblen.
Today, Doug Eblen is an active
member of the West Central Ohio Art
League, the Wassenberg Art Center, the

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 Visual Arts Network and the Ohio Watercolor Society. “I have yet to try and get into a gallery, baby steps,
you know,” replies Eblen when asked about shows. Even though Doug still considers his painting a
hobby, his clients beg to differ.
The work of Eblen can often be found displayed at the Richardson Bretz Building in Celina, Ohio and
Wassenberg Art Center in Van Wert, Ohio. Doug has received numerous awards in surrounding art
shows and has been accepted in many juried competitions. Prices for commissioned work range from
approximately $100 to $500, determined by cost of size, time and framing.
Memories in motion that only Doug Eblen can capture. Time to trade in those baby
shoes, Doug.

77 - The Art-To-Art Palette Paint Box 2007-08 Fall/Winter Edition