After years of driving from his home in the far west suburbs to his job as a graphic artist in Blue Island, Stanley Dudek decided to become a professional watercolorist. After taking a few courses, he began working out of his house, while exhibiting his paintings at art shows across the United States.
Loved ones say the Polish immigrant’s decision to switch careers in midlife was partly due because of his frustration with the heavy traffic to and from work.
“Those bad commutes were actually a blessing in disguise,” said his wife of 59 years, Mimie. “If he hadn’t gotten so tired of all that driving, he might never have found his passion.”
Mr. Dudek, 89, formerly of West Chicago, a Polish World War II veteran and former prisoner of war who produced paintings included in the collections of many major Chicago-area corporations, died Thursday, June 15, in the DuPage Convalescent Center in Wheaton, after a series of strokes.
Mr. Dudek showed a talent for art as a child, but he was encouraged to pursue other interests.
“When he was in 4th or 5th grade, he decided he wanted to be an artist, but his father said no because he thought he would starve,” his wife said.
During World War II, Mr. Dudek was an officer in the Polish Air Force and became a prisoner of war in Russia. Once freed, he served as a captain of the Polish contingent of the Royal Air Force, family members said.
After being introduced by acquaintances, Mr. Dudek and his wife married in 1947. He later moved to England with his family and graduated from London Borough Polytechnic, majoring in fine arts and graphics.
In 1954, Mr. Dudek moved with his family to Chicago and spent 10 years as a designer and art director. He built a home in unincorporated West Chicago in 1960, and five years later began his work as a watercolorist, specializing in impressionistic paintings of landscapes, farms and water scenes.
Mr. Dudek’s art earned him awards and recognition at exhibits throughout the U.S. Family members said several corporations have his art in their collections, including BorgWarner, Johnson & Johnson and Sears. His works also included travel posters for United Air Lines and greeting cards for the American Artists Group.
“Back in the 1980s, I remember getting all excited while watching an episode of the TV series `Dynasty’ filmed at LAX Airport in Los Angeles,” said his daughter Marianne Voss. “There in the background was a poster painted by my dad for United Air Lines.”
Mr. Dudek was a resident of the DuPage Convalescent Center for the last few years. He was a member of the Midwest Watercolor Society, Watercolor USA, Polish Arts Club of Chicago and DuPage Art League.
Other survivors include two sons, Michael and Chrystopher; two more daughters, Teresa Mattingly and Elizabeth; and eight grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday in the DuPage Convalescent Center, 400 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton.
