Milford Zornes, Otis, 1927

Part of the series: Otis Legacy Project: Interviews of Distinguished Otis Alumni. Milford Zornes attended Otis in 1927. He became a famous California water colorist. Milford was interviewed by Otis students in November 2007. He passed away in January, 2008. This is an excerpt from the longer video available in the Otis Millard Sheets Library.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• otis
• college
• milford
• zornes
• distinguished
• alumnus
• 1927
• interview

[HarleyTog]

He was my Great Uncle. He was a Great Artist. He was a Great Man.

[OtisCollege]

It was a real pleasure to interview Mr. Zornes for this video. We were all very impressed by how generous he was with his time and willingness to share his stories. We were so very fortunate to do this before it was too late. Thank you for your note.

[commissionblue]

when i was in high school i got to take a class with him and painted with him. wow what a guy , RIP

[zorozornes]

Zornes is such a strange name. Not a Smith or Brown, I just recently became aware of Milford. I hope I am kin to him. I only knew my father Harold Zornes a few yrs, didn't talk much about family. We both liked flying. I was 28 going to by a Weedhopper. He shows up after 28 years introduces himself and says he owns the exact plane I was going to buy. That was shock; Ive been a professional painter for37yrs, landscapes, warbirds, custom cars and bikes. I'm from WVa , + Ohio. Maybesome1canhelp

[Rogueek]

What a wonderful human being. I mean, you have to allow that he could be a complete asshole outside of this interview, but I find that unlikely. Love em. And he did nice work.

[HarleyTog]

I certainly meant no disrespect by my comments. I have only admiration for him and for his work. As my Uncle, I loved him...and I love him.

[Pawnbroker00]

@HarleyTog Thats nice, so apparently because he is dead that means he no longer exists? Even christians speak in past tense like that, i find it repulsive and somewhat offensive.

[RhiMell]

@HarleyTog He was? My mother and father helped clean his art studio, and with other handy work around his house in exchange for art. He was an amazing man, and really inspired me to become an artist when I finish high school/ college.

[grimlinmonk]

The guy has big shoulders like me :o

[quikpencil]

I was lucky enough to have Milford come to a landscape painting show of mine only a month before he passed away. We sat down for about an hour and talked a bit about painting and his history. What a great artist. Looking at his work inspired me to dive back into watercolor again and I was lucky enough to be able to shake his hand and thank him for his inspiration. The guy had more talent & knowledge and history than most of us can only dream about! Thanks to Milford & Otis for the interview!!