Florence Mcintyre
March 4, 2023
To the family of Mr. Don Clausen,
My deepest and most sincere sympathy to you upon reading of the death of your husband, father, and grandfather.
My husband Jack first met Mr. Clausen at the Berkeley Street Fair in the early 1960's.
He frequently spoke about Mr. Clausen and how much he enjoyed talking with him about his paintings. After our marriage in 1966 we drove to Mr. Clausen's studio in Berkeley but sadly he was not present. As a memento I took the attached photograph of his studio.
In 1970 we purchased our first Don Clausen painting, a 48 x 40 painting/collage titled “Silver Door”. In 1976 we purchased an abstract titled “Opposing Forces”. We also purchased a representational oil titled “She Waits” which reminded me so much of my mother.
Forty years later, and no longer living in California, I still had not met Mr. Clausen personally. While visiting family in California my husband said to me “you must meet Don Clausen”. So we called, and Mr Clausen answered the phone and invited us to his home!
Such a great honor to us and such a unique artist and person. I then undersood why my husband appreciated him. We loved his studio with Disney characters, his organized disorganization, and especially his cymbal-banging monkey toy on the shelf. When we returned home I even sent Mr. Clausen the exact same toy that my husband owned!
Every Christmas after our meeting I sent him a card thanking him for bringing us happiness and contemplation through his art.
In 2008, I wrote Mr. Clausen the sad news that my Jack had died and I wanted him to know that I still deeply appreciated his talent. He answered me with a very understanding and heartfelt reply which was, and still is, so precious to me. Thank you Mr. Don Clausen for taking the time to share your talent and your self with us.
Very sincerely, Florence McIntyre and Jack too always