Daryl L. Bryant

Beloved Pasadena artist, Daryl Bryant, died on Friday, January 14, following a brief illness. She was stricken in mid-September while painting in Venice, Italy, with a small group of fellow artists with whom she had traveled for many years to Europe. With them Daryl absorbed the flavors, color and nuances of the local cultures, which found expression in her treasured sketchbooks. An artist of exceptional talent, Daryl’s work was exhibited in galleries throughout the United States and Canada. In 2008 she received an award in the California Art Club 97th Annual Gold Medal Juried Exhibition at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. Recognized for paintings of unique beauty and skill, Daryl’s watercolors were featured in national and international journals and books of art. She was often selected as a judge for watercolor competitions throughout California and Arizona. A signature member of Watercolor West and the National Watercolor Society, Daryl was an artist member of the California Art Club, the San Gabriel Fine Arts Association, and the mid-Valley Art League Creative Arts Group where she taught classes while maintaining a studio in South Pasadena. A third generation Californian, Daryl was born in Los Angeles, the third daughter of Virginia and Colin Timmons. She grew up in Sierra Madre and graduated from the Polytechnic School in Pasadena and Girls Collegiate of Claremont before attending the University of Southern California. Early classes with Millard Sheets, a long-standing friend of her parents, inspired her to nurture her artistic talents and she sailed for Italy to live and study for a year in Florence, igniting her lifelong passion for that country. Returning home, Daryl earned a degree in graphic design, worked as a commercial art director and experimented with ceramics, printmaking and murals. Ultimately, Daryl focused on watercolor and embarked on the career for which she is known. A devoted wife, mother, sister and friend, Daryl reflected a spirit of love and generosity wherever she went, always putting the needs and wishes of others before her own. Her life was her art, but her generosity extended to helping others less fortunate. Her philanthropic focus was Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and the integrated arts program, Tools for Tomorrow. The wonder of Daryl’s beautiful floral and landscape watercolors are her gift, the memory of her graciousness, humor, charm and loving heart are her legacy. Daryl is survived by her husband of twenty five years, Daniel W. Bryant of Pasadena, her son, John Murphy, wife Maggie, and children, Jack and Finnegan of Charlottesville, Virginia; her daughter, Sarah Murphy of San Francisco; and Daniel N. Bryant, wife Karen and children Sarah and Danny; Matthew Bryant, wife, Mahvash and daughter, Maria Parisa; her sisters, Janet McNeil of Irvine and Ginger Ludwick of Brentwood; and the grandchildren, nieces and nephews of the extended family that she cherished. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 22nd, at 11am at the Oneonta Congregational Church, 1515 Garfield Avenue, South Pasadena, CA 91030. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Daryl Timmons Bryant Art Spirit Award, Tools for Tomorrow, 42-800 Bob Hope Drive, Suite 209-0, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. Tools for Tomorrow is a 501(c)3 charity which provides a free, on-site arts literacy program integrating art, writing, drama and music for disadvantaged children grades 3 through 5.