STUDENTS OF FRANK RAMPOLLA – Jere Allen
1.) What year did you study with Frank Rampolla and what was the title of the class?
1965-1968. Drawing, Figure Drawing and Painting.
2.) What do you remember about Frank Rampolla? What sticks out in your memory about him?
I was fortunate to have Mr. Rampolla as a teacher and to have worked in his studio in Sarasota and Tampa. I remember him as a powerful personality who influenced me as an artist and as a man. I was then and I am now thankful for the lessons in life.
On the lighter side, I once asked him why the painting he had just finished was chalky. For those that knew him, I ask you to use your imagination as to the response that I was given. He was always larger than life.
3.) How were you influenced by Frank Rampolla’s teachings or his artwork?
Although I never saw him apply a paint stroke or make a mark on a drawing while working in his studio, I was able to see his works of art at many stages of progress. This left a huge impact on me and my work. I learned to love figurative art and I am still inspired to build my ideas around it.
