Some people see retirement as a perfect time to start over; a time to nurture a talent that’s gone unnoticed or stood dormant over the years. For most people it’s time to sit back and enjoy the golden years. Not the case for Bernard Freiden.
Within the last decade Bernard has traded in his business suit for a paintbrush. Yesterday’s jewelry salesman has become today’s landscape artist. Even though he’s shifted gears, over the years his love for art was always near at hand.
Bernard Freiden took up landscape painting as a hobby. His paintings have been shown in several hot spots around Memphis.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” said Bernard. “I’ve always been interested in doodling, and then I started painting. I’ve read a lot of books and am just basically self-taught.”
Freiden, a full-time jewelry salesman for 50 years, still works at it – representing a few companies and maintaining some customer contacts. But most of his time, time not spent with Noreen, his wife of 58 years and their five children, 24 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren – is spent in front of an easel. His paintings decorate all of their homes and compete for precious exhibit space in his East Memphis home.
His impressionist style paintings feature vibrant colors of the seasons and strokes of light, reflecting ponds and scores of trees. He is equally comfortable painting fall and wintertime scenes.
Recently his works have been on exhibition at some of Memphis’ gathering spots including the Memphis Jewish Community Center, Circuit Playhouse, Memphis Botanic Garden, The West Clinic and the Woman’s Exchange.
“My first show was at the JCC,” said the affable 82-year-old amateur artist. “I took my stuff out there, they liked the merchandise, and it proved to be a pretty successful show. I sold quite a few.”
According to Bernard, repetition is the best way to find success. Of course talent helps, too. As a beginner he admits to his fair share of mistakes but believes he’s on the right path.
“I’ve always been somewhat creative,” said Bernard. “I just got better over time until I built some confidence. You keep on painting and make your mistakes along the way, because everything you do isn’t going to be a masterpiece. All artists learn something new every time they paint.
“I think I’m a lot better than I was, but I’ve got a long way to go,” he said citing the well-known Jewish phrase, “You should live to be 120. I’ve got about 38 more years.”
A sneak peak of Bernard Freiden in his quiet studio.
Both of his careers share something in common. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry or a painting, salesmanship remains one of the keys. “You call people; get turned down a couple of times until you speak to someone who is willing to look at your merchandise,” he explained. “You have to learn to live with rejection.”
Freiden paints a couple of hours a day, almost everyday. “It’s very relaxing,” he said. “I can go in there and leave my troubles behind. I can close my door and no one can tell me what to do.
“Art is very personal; some people might like a particular painting while some don’t. If someone buys one of my paintings to put in their house, I’m very excited,” said Bernard.
And what talent! We are very proud of dad!
You should be proud. He’s quite talented. Hopefully alot more people know it now, too.
Yeah, Zayda!! your family is so proud of you! And thanks, Mark, for a well-written piece…
You’re welcome Rabbi Joey. We’re all proud of his talent and his all-around friendliness
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