Passing of a friend and Mentor

[sweakley]

Bob Knee's Passing

It was with sad hearts that we at Historical Miniature Magazine learned of the passing of Bob Knee this past weekend. Bob was not only a major contributor to the magazine almost from its inception, but his contributions to the hobby through the years influenced many painters around the country. His devotion to the hobby and his enthusiasm with which he approached both his own painting and the teaching of others was known throughout the hobby. His was a familiar face at many of the miniature shows around the country and although his attendance had declined a bit over the past several years, he could still be counted on to pop in unexpectedly at either Chicago, MFCA, SCAHMS, etc. and above all, his Alma Mater, the Atlanta Show. His knowledge of oil painting was extensive and through the years he passed along this knowledge to many, many painters throughout U.S. His will be a presence sadly missed by all within the hobby and by us at Historical Miniature Magazine.
Ron & Kim Souza & Steven Weakley

 

[Greg Lock]

I am not a modeler, but Bob Knee was a special friend and neighbor of ours for the last 13 years, so I wanted to add my thoughts and memories of this good, kind, and generous man.
Bob genuinely loved to paint, and one of my greatest delights was to visit his "office" and look at his personal collection and whatever was his latest "work in progress." He delighted in showing me how he rearranged some models to obtain just the right visual effect and how he blended colors. He was also a very accomplished photographer, and his black and white landscapes of the desert southwest rival even those of Ansel Adams.
He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Greg Lock, Duluth, GA

 

[Stefano Borin]

Sad new My frieds, I never met him, but as I can see with all friends who answer, it's a really sad new...

Stefano Borin

 

[Joe Hudson]

It is really sad to hear about Bob. I have so many GREAT memories of him. I can see his smile and him leaning over and holding me by the elbow and explaining to me everything that he had done on his figure or if it we were looking at my work hearing him explain to me that I have "got it."

I was lucky to know Bob since the very first time I ever entered the door to a figure show. He met me and took me from the registration table to were I could display my very first figure. I then enjoyed the show and kept looking at his work and others. I took his business card and then later that year he made a visit to Florida, were I was living at the time, and gave myself and a few others a weekend painting crash course. During this time he was a Great teacher. He would take you by the hand and show you the technique of blending and explain the color choice. He made us all work very hard that weekend and from this I learned so very much. I went back to Atlanta the next year and won my first gold medal, I say this not bragging but that if it were not for Bob, I would have never been able to accomplish any of what I have so far in this hobby. Because of Bob, I have been Blessed to know him and this caused me to continue to go to other shows and meet all my other friends in the hobby.

I spoke to Mike Stezel often and I remember talking with him about how I used to love to go to Atlanta and see Bob in his Marine sweater and those tartan pants! He was always a pistol and will be forever missed.

God Bless to him and his family. Thank you so much for all you did Bob!

Joe

 

[kurgon4]

A Journey ended too soon

I knew Bob from my membership in the AMFS. I first met him 10 years ago at the first Atlanta show I ever attended and boy did he intimidate me. He was a great painter and when he saw me looking at his figures he said hello and with a big grin on his face he asked me what I thought. I told him it was amazing I couldn't do that, but Bob just said "Yes you can, come to a meeting and we can show you how" Well that was 10 years ago and I'm still with the club, in fact I'm the current president.

Bob Knee was a great human being, he was an asset to this hobby in so many ways. I can attest to his spirit too, you see I am not a good figure painter yet, but Bob never made me feel incompetent in fact he always had a kind word for my work and offered nice suggestions and helpfull hints. I bought his book and still read it and try his techniques. Bob honored me once by calling me and asking me about the workings of a PPSH 41. I answered all his questions and later I saw why he asked about it. It was for his Chosin resovior vignette. I shall always remember his smile his marine sweater and how he would pat his friends on the back.

My deepest condolences to his wife and daughters. Bob your journey through life was way too short but you Sir left a wonderful legacy in your wake. You will be missed Thank you for all the gifts you left us all.

George

 

[Le Lancier]

I didn't know Bob personnaly, but I've heard of him. It's always a sad day when one of our hobby's great departs. My sincere sympathies to all his friends and family.

 

[Guy]

Obituary posted Atlanta Journal-Constitution Newspaper

ROBERT KNEE

Family-Placed Death Notice

Robert C. Knee, Jr., 79, of Duluth, GA, died April 22, 2007. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 27th, at Epiphany Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home. Mr. Knee, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, was a retired attorney from Dayton, OH, and both a painter and instructor of military miniatures and a contributor of numerous magazine articles. Mr. Knee was the author of the book "Color Theory and Application." He is survived by his wife, Eleanor Knee of Duluth, GA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Ginger (Gene) Boone of Potomac, MD, and Sally (Tod) Lashway of Scottsdale, AZ; and three grandchildren, Sharon Lashway, Jessica Lashway, and Christopher Boone. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send contributions to: Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1350 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Suwanee, GA 30024, (770) 831-1966 or National Museum of the U.S. Marine Corps, 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Triangle, VA 22172 (877) 653-1775. Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, Norcross, GA. (770) 448-5757.
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 4/25/2007.

 

[Sambaman]

A true loss indeed...

I had the distinct pleasure of being a guest in Bob and Eleanor's home recently during this year's Atlanta Figure show. Bob and Eleanor were kind enough to invite Guy Herrick and myself over for one fantastic evening of "figure" filled conversation and by far the best meal we had the pleasure to enjoy on our trip. My eyes and ears were stretched to the limit trying to absorb as many "pearls-of-wisdom" as possible during my short visit. I was at once awestruck by Bob's beautiful black and white photographs in the entry way to their home, not realizing his wonderful penchant for photography all these many years. But, once we settled into his fantastic “man-cave” the real figure wisdom was dispensed. As I visually drank in the masterpieces in the cases of finished figures, I bent my ear to make sure I absorbed every nuance that was bantered back and forth among the denizens of that painting room. After a short while, Bob took me by the arm, and in his ever teacherly manner, began offering me advice on groundwork techniques he had perfected, what paints he used for undercoating and which websites had the best deals on artists supplies. I got to glance into the desk drawers of oil paints, all meticulously divided by color and brand. He even handed me a tube of acrylic white paint in the brand he recommended and said, “here, take it with you, I know you’ll love the way it works.” The cumulative “figure” wisdom in that room that night was invaluable to a grunt such as myself just getting started in this hobby of ours.

That whole evening spoke to me of what Bob meant to our community. I had a couple short phone conversations with Bob prior to that evening, but this was the first time I had had the opportunity to really get to meet Bob and share in our common interest. He had a demeanor and willingness that allowed him to help anyone willing to listen. As teacher, mentor, archetype, critic….I don’t think I heard one negative word from Bob that entire weekend. He had a way of making even the harshest critique a learning experience for anyone subjected. As a testament to his popularity and generosity, virtually EVERY time he and I got a short moment on the show floor to chat, we were interrupted by another painter desiring some jaw time with Bob. Interrupted sounds harsh, and it wasn’t so much that, as it was a constant stream of people paying their respects and showing their appreciation to such a pillar in the figure painting community. I suspect with Bob’s tenure in the hobby, it only goes to show just how many lives he touched.

Jay H.
OKC

 

[Hussar]

Mission Accomplished, Marine.

I have had the extremely good fortune to know Bob since moving to Atlanta 15 years ago. I knew about him for many years before that from his articles about our wonderful hobby. Actually meeting and getting to know him was my great good fortune because I found a mentor, friend and a true embodyment of what it meant to be a "Gentleman." I will miss my visits to his home, talking with him and Eleanor; but somehow I feel he will always still be looking over my shoulder with an encouraging word as I paint - no matter how badly I'm doing. As the last verse of the Marine Hymn describes the scene in Heaven, this Old Horse Soldier will be looking for Bob on duy with other Marines at the Pearly Gates on the way to Fiddlers Green.
Semper Fi my Friend.
Garryowen
Lou

 

[pylgrym]

Bob would always pat me on the shoulder at the meetings we happened to attend together of the AMFS. As a toy soldier enthusiast, I stand in awe of his work and shock at his passing.
The services at his home church were very inspiring today. As a Christian, I believe he is with his saviour in the Better Place.
'
pylgrym

 

[Guy]

Bob's Family thanks you

I have been in contact with Bob's family several times since Bob's passing and they asked me to post the following letter:


Bob Knee's Family Thanks You:

Our family sincerely appreciates the outpouring of love and friendship reflected in your writings on the web site at Planet Figure. Our thanks to each of you for taking the time to write about your thoughts, feelings and experiences with Bob. They meant so much to us; even in his death we learned more things about him! Each of you shared a special relationship with him. How wonderful to realize the impact he had on so many lives around the world! It is our hope that some gift of Bob lives on in each of you as it does in us. And as he would tell you, "Keep your paint brushes wet!"

Thank you, Guy, for all your support and help in making the communications possible.

Most sincerely,

Eleanor, Ginger, Sally and family