The River by Hollie Colburn

Clay (Left) and Hollie (Right) with Nall (Center) at the River (Image courtesy of Hollie Halford Colburn)

I met Nall in the summer of 2014 for a summer apprenticeship in Vence. Nall picked me up at the airport and drove to his art association to drop off my luggage. I met Nall's other intern, Clay, and we immediately went downtown to pick up a rotisserie chicken, some water, fruit and other snacks for a hike in the hills around the city. That was my first introduction to Nall and it was really fun. I realized Nall was very adventurous, out-doorsey and nature inspired. This became a weekly activity for us. Any time someone would come to visit Nall, we would always take them to the river.

I was amazed because Nall was in his sixties and where we'd hike, we'd walk through water, oftentimes against the current, and climb up many large rocks to get up to the top and have our picnic. I was glad that I was athletic because I would have been embarrassed. It was quite a challenge which required exerting a lot of effort.The first few weeks we went, the water was freezing cold. Nall would tell us to imagine that we were walking with hot coals so we could tolerate the cold water. I still do that to this day and with my volleyball girls (who do ice baths), repeating the same thing Nall told me.

Hollie, Nall and 2 friends of Nall (Image courtesy of Hollie Halford Colburn)

We would spend the day at the river, bringing paints with us. So we would paint 'from life', using the natural lighting. It was fascinating to learn this technique from Nall, especially as a student. It was cool to see the way he used his colors. Like a tree he painted would have many colors, specks of yellows and greens and purples--all kinds of colors. He was really big on nature and using the surroundings as inspiration. Some of his greatest pieces were done while he was in France.
At the studio we would help Nall build the frames, mosaic frames and do anything else he'd ask as he worked on an art piece. He'd want us to use the colors in his painting when we worked on the mosaic frame.

Many of Nall's apprentices were previously in rehab for some kind of addiction. He would use the techniques and experiences we had at the river to teach them that there were things to look forward to beyond addictions in addition to his own experience with being an addict.
I met so many interesting people while I was in France. I met Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones and his wife, who we took to the river. But of all the people I met, Francine Pascal was the most special. I grew up reading her Sweet Valley High books as did my mom when she was growing up. Francine Pascal also had a place in France. We met her in Antibes at an exhibition that Included art by Nall. I was awestruck! I was thrilled to get to talk to her. Nall brought me some of Ms. Pascal's books that she had signed to me. An unforgettable experience.

Francine Pascal (Left) , Nall (Center), Biscuit (Center) and Hollie (Right) at exhibit in Antibes. (Image courtesy of Hollie Halford Colburn)

Hollie Halford Colburn
Nall apprentice and assistant
Now a teacher, girls' volleyball coach, wife and mother