Kelly Fearing

I was a student of Kelly back in the day. Over the years, I have enjoyed a drawing he gave me. It reflects not only his talent but also his sense of humor and his kindness. He was one of those special creative teachers that will always be remembered by his UT students.

I did not know Mr. Fearing myself, but my mother met him a couple of times while he was a student at Louisiana Tech, where she was an instructor. Mother said she had his sister as a student. Mother purchased a painting of his at an art show at school and he came by her office a few days later, wanting to know what about that picture made her want it. She told him what she liked about the painting, but she thought it was a bit overpriced (I think she told me it was $15.00.) He told her that...

The best teacher and friend anyone could have. I was so lucky to have him as my teacher and mentor in both undergraduate and graduate school. Thank you Kelly for your wisdom, friendship and kind heart and soul - you made me a better artist, teacher and human being because of your presence in my life.

Mr. Fearing was loved.

Kelly was part of our pleasure during the years Ben and I lived in Austin.Having a Fearing painting on the wall was a status symbol!Memories of him and Austin art circles make Austin come alive again.

I benefited personally from Kelly's work in promoting the arts. In the 1960s he created The Saturday Morning Art Project at The University of Texas which gave me as well as countless other Austin high school students the chance to advance our artistic development. I will be ever grateful for the rich environment he nourished.

Kelly was a lovely man with immense talent and incredible spirit who gave so much more than he took. The twinkle in his eyes and his mischievous sense of humor made for many good times. He was a wonderful friend for forty years, and I loved him. If there is a Heaven, Kelly and Judy Maxwell are there painting together. Godspeed the dear gentle soul of Kelly Fearing.

Kelly Fearing was the teacher that taught me best, and was such an inspiration with his thoughts and beautiful artwork. My condolences go out to his family and close friends. He was a great man in my book, and I know that he was great artist whose art will make him live on forever.
Linda Figg, Round Rock, Texas

March 17th, 2011

Kelly was a great educator, and sometimes it was the most simple thing he would say that resonated with me. I appreciated his encouragement and criticism as an artist. Thanks, Kelly, for all your inspiration, and your beautiful artwork. My condolences to his family and close friends. He will always be remembered as a great man, by me and many others.

Linda Figg, Round Rock, Texas