Remembering Professor Patrick Connors (PAFA)

  I wanted to share a few memories of one of my favorite teachers, Professor Patrick Connors.  Unfortunately Prof. Connors passed about two years ago, but I remember him as an inspiring artist and teacher at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA).
  I was fortunate to have Prof. Connors as a teacher during my time at PAFA (2009 - 2013).  Throughout that time, I became close with him and even sat for an oil portrait study that he painted at his home studio in Philadelphia.  I remember that day very well as he welcomed me into his own, chatted with me as I sat for a small portrait and then we had a nice lunch together.
  Prof. Connors was always generous with his time, guidance and also his supplies.  I still have a tube of paint (I believe it's Pompeii red from Williamsburg) that Prof. Connors gave me, amongst other painting supplies.  As a poor and hungry art student, these gifts were meaningful and encouraging.
  Prof. Connors' classes were a highlight of my time at PAFA.  I can still hear his guidance as he advised us to use our brushes "like pistols".  Each brush stroke followed by a "reloading" of paint.  Once I became an upperclassman, Prof. Connors would visit my private studio and go over my work carefully while sharing advice and wisdom.  Those days were very formative for me and also instilled a love of art history into my education.
  The last time I spoke with him was a few years ago and he was helping me network with more opportunities.  He was always supportive, encouraging and willing to share information.  
  I will deeply miss Professor Connors, but he set a great example of how to be as both an artist and as a teacher.