For Mildred P. Bernard, painting is about remembering. In her works, she depicts colorful scenes from the past that bring to mind fond memories of her childhood. Country Train Stop reminds her of Alston, Michigan, where she used to live. For each of her paintings, Bernard researches every single detail that she includes in the picture. It is a time that she enjoys and finds relaxing. She favors placing bright colors and a lot of activity in her paintings. She also prefers to work with oils because this medium allows her to achieve a special richness in texture and color. "Oil gives life to my paintings," she explains.

When she is not working on her paintings, Bernard spends time decorating her home’s walls and rooms. Her house, a post office and general store from the 1800s, still preserves the splendor of its time. Every year, she delights hundreds of people who come to her open house to enjoy her Christmas decorations.

When painting Bernard claims she can get pleasantly lost in the past. Whether she is painting or decorating her home, she lives her present life cherishing the memories and the people who have made her life so joyful to remember.

[artist biography by Ximena Cisneros; artist photograph by Rob Malecki]
Mildred P. Bernard
Country Train Stop, 1980, oil on canvas