The Art of Friendship by Duane Hampton

On my bookshelves, one of my favorite books is The Art of Friendship, a small coffee table book written by Duane Hampton after the sudden passing of her legendary husband, Mark Hampton. Aside from his prolific career as a master decorator, he loved to paint watercolors of people, places and things. These small works of art were often for birthdays or anniversaries for family and friends. Duane put a sampling together for this touching tribute to her late husband.

A Valentine Card for one of his daughters.

A corner of Albert Hadley's apartment-notice the birthday cake!

The Hampton's garden


The White House Christmas Card 1990 for the George and Barbara

This is my favorite..a card painted for a friend's baby born near Christmas.

A card for a friend's upcoming baby, dreaming of all the things possible for him.

A birthday card for daughter Kate, in honor of her part in The Nutcracker.

The recipient of this lovely card worked for the National Resources Defense Council, this was a save the date, among other things...

A birthday painting for Duane, after a recent trip to India

A birthday card for a friend celebrating at the Knickerbocker Club in New York

A painting for a friend whose baby is about to be born near Easter. The Easter Bunny and the stork are both racing to the hospital.

I love this book and all of his beautiful paintings!