I was 12 years old when I first saw an
artist’s home. My parents had arranged for me to take oil
painting lessons with Edward and Maxine Runci. Edward was a
famous painter, renowned for his portraits of
the Hollywood elite and his other
images, including a stint painting wholesome pin-up calendar
art. Maxine was his sometime model and an accomplished artist
in her own right. She had recently finished her art
instructional book titled, Painting from the Family Album
(Walter T. Foster,
#144), showcasing her beautifully sensitive portrait
work of family and friends along with providing pages for
her Guest Artist ,
Edward to include his images.
The Runci's home was a dazzling showplace.
Their artistic touch was on everything. Sculptures and
porcelain collector plates Maxine designed graced tabletops.
Lush and colorful paintings by both Edward and Maxine hung on
every wall. Dressed stylishly when they weren’t painting,
the Runcis accented any room just by looking marvelous.
I’d been in beautiful homes before, but never had I seen
a home that so strongly expressed the owners’
personality, and it was balanced by such beautiful
décor. I could sense an underlying structure and order
to the beauty that went beyond the furnishings and
accessories.
I
didn’t it know at the time, but my image of the Runcis
would inoculate me from any negative “starving
artist” comments as I made my way through my own life and
developed my artistic skills. Though I went through a time
where I forgot their example and kept my art on the easel,
eventually that early experience inspired me to create a home,
and by extension a life, filled with abundant color, art and
beauty.
Like Maxine, my first solo book was an art
instructional book, Paint Happy
(Northlight Books, 2002, 2004). And, in the tradition of
including family members, I was able to include a few images of
my young daughter’s art! Now I’m working on a new
book inspiring and encouraging readers to creatively decorate
their homes, cook with intuitive inspiration, and live a
creative life. The Runcis inspiring example is one of the
threads making up the tapestry of my creative work.
I’ve included a few images I scanned
from Maxine’s book, Painting from the Family Album.
From time to time, I’ll be updating this page with new
biographical information about the Runcis, so check back.
March 6, 2008: Deanna Marie Wolfe wrote me identifying herself as the cover model for the Painting from the Family Album book. Here's what she said:
Hi, I'm Deanna Marie Wolfe, the little girl in
the painting holding the dog is me. My parents were friends
with Edward and Maxine Runci. I own a very similar painting my
parents received from them. It is hanging in my home. I also
own a few of the Walter Foster Art Books with my
portrait on the
cover (same as on
your web site). Your site is very cool thanks. Do you want me
to forward a picture of the portrait I own they painted
(according to my mother they painted my portrait together with
Edward adding his touches with the brush along the way.)
I hope you get
th 
is and respond and thanks
again.
Deanna Marie Wolfe
Dear Deanna,
Thank you so much for contacting me about your participation
as a cover model for Maxine Runci's art instruction book, Painting from the Family
Album. I love "what ever happened to...." stories, and I
think your information is a valuable fact for any future Runci
enthusiast. Here is the lovely picture you sent me of another
painting they made of you at the same age. What a 
beautiful
portrait. And thanks for sending the current photo of you and
your husband. You look beautiful!
Best Wishes,
Cristina
Images: Scanned from Maxine's book, Painting from the
Family Album: Photo of Maxine next to the painting of her by
Edward. Photo of Edward along with the demo steps of his
portrait by Maxine. Painting by Maxine of their daughter on her
wedding day.
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