William Hemmerling (American/Louisiana, 1943-2009), "Waiting in Line", oil on panel, signed lower right, 40 in. x 48 1/4 in., original frame. Note: Chicago-born William Hemmerling moved to Ponchatoula, Louisiana as a young man. While he had a lengthy creative career as a decorator for Sears, his calling as an artist would not begin until 2002 after his retirement. His time as a “painter” (as he would refer to himself) was short-lived yet impactful and began at the Louisiana Furniture and Art Gallery in Ponchatoula when he was invited to display his artwork after he remarked to the proprietors: “I think you need more color on your walls.”
Friend and fellow artist, George Rodrigue, described him as such: “He paints from his heart, from his soul, he really paints what he feels...He has no boundaries. I think he's a free spirit. He's real sincere about himself. And the paintings are honest and straightforward. It's beautiful art." This open sincerity and wholesomeness is well reflected in the important painting offered here. School children waiting in line are depicted with sensitive grace, and the innocence of the artist and his intent are mirrored in the style and subject matter, resulting in a touching portrayal of the purity of childhood.
Ref.: Rose, Chris. “Louisiana folk artist Bill Hemmerling dies at home in Ponchatoula.” The Times-Picayune. June 16, 2009. www.nola.com. Accessed: May 20, 2019.