Millard Owen Sheets was an American artist, teacher, and architectural designer whose work and influence spanned much of the 20th century. Born on June 24, 1907, in Pomona, California, Sheets grew up in the Pomona Valley, east of Los Angeles, in an environment that fostered his early interest in art. His mother, Milly Owen Sheets, died at his birth, and he was raised by his grandparents, Louis and Emma Owen, who played a significant role in his upbringing and development as an artist. From a young age, Sheets was encouraged by his family, particularly his two maternal aunts, to explore his artistic talents with crayons and pencils. His first painting lesson came at the tender age of seven, under the guidance of a neighbor, marking the beginning of a lifelong passion for art. Sheets' formal art education began at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, where he studied under notable artists such as F. Tolles Chamberlin and Clarence Hinkle. His talent was evident early on, and while still a teenager, his watercolors were accepted for exhibition in the annual California Water Color Society shows. By the age of nineteen, he had been elected into membership of the society, a testament to his skill and potential. In 1929, after winning second prize in the Texas Wildflowers Competitive Exhibitions, Sheets was able to travel to Europe for a year to further his education. This experience broadened his artistic horizons and introduced him to a wider range of styles and techniques. Upon his return to California, Sheets quickly became a leading figure in the California Style watercolor movement, gaining national recognition for his work. His paintings were exhibited across the United States and in Paris, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of the American landscape and its people. Sheets' career was not limited to painting; he was also a dedicated educator and architectural designer. In the early 1930s, he returned to Scripps College in Claremont, California, to study art and humanities. He was later approached by school officials to set up a separate fine arts program, which he chaired, marking the beginning of a twenty-year association with the school. In 1954, Sheets was appointed Director of Otis College, where he restructured the school's academic program, further cementing his legacy as an educator. Throughout his career, Sheets worked on numerous large-scale architectural projects, including building-mounted mosaics that are still extant in Southern California. His work as an architectural designer complemented his artistic endeavors, allowing him to integrate his artistic vision into the built environment. Sheets' contributions to the art world were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Notre Dame in 1964. His paintings are part of the collections of major museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum in New York, the Chicago Art Institute, the National Gallery in Washington D.C., and the Los Angeles County Museum. Beyond his professional achievements, Sheets was a man deeply connected to his roots and personal interests. His love for horses, which began in childhood at his grandfather's horse ranch, remained a constant throughout his life. He maintained a private stable of horses and was involved in raising and breeding racehorses. This passion for horses often found expression in his art, with equine themes recurring in his paintings. Millard Sheets passed away on March 31, 1989, in Gualala, California, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of California's foremost artists, educators, and architectural designers. His work continues to inspire and influence artists and designers, and his contributions to the California art scene and beyond are remembered and celebrated.

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