Mike,
I used to watch Helen Van Wyk's show religiously, it was on once a week on PBS. This was before I really had any interest in painting. It was appealing how easy she made things. She had such a distinctive teaching style, which made her shows entertaining to watch. I learned soo much from her shows, all the basics.
Time passed, several years, in which I tried other things, then eventually summoned the courage to pick up a brush. Her books are the first I referenced when I did begin painting. I certainly owe a lot to her. I'm happy to see others who value her (and others) pioneering instruction.
By the way, congratulations on being added to the Stroke of Genius artist site.
Regards,
Holly