I learned today that my hero, my champion, the great Joe Whalen has passed away. He was more than a wonderful painter. He made artists. He spent his life teaching and encouraging people to lead creative lives.  There were times in my life when I was mad at Joe. I wanted to quit. I was ready to give up. The artist life was too hard, too costly. But I couldn’t. I would hear Joe’s firm voice clearly. “Art, you are a true artist. Don’t ever give up. Never quit. Keep painting no matter what.” Farewell my brother. Thank you.