About the Author
David J. Masters first arrived in Old Town Key West in the 1970s expecting only a change of scenery, and instead found a community that felt like home. The people he met there—and the nights they shared—became the living foundation of Memories of Key West. After leaving the island, he spent many years in Washington, DC, working as a paralegal while also running Master Pieces, a large studio and gallery in the historic district of Leesburg, Virginia, where he created and taught art for students from across the United States and abroad, he developed and taught his own art curriculum, created instructional paintings, and introduced a line of artist’s brushes. His work found its way into newspapers, books, and magazines, extending his reach far beyond the studio walls. He now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he writes, paints, and designs his own original pieces, continuing to draw inspiration from the people and places that shaped him.
From the world of Memories of Key West
Mallory Square, The Monster, and La te da are just a few of the places that fill the nights in Memories of Key West.
Mallory Square – The dock where I played tambourine with Rita and three conga players nearly every evening, nights of music and sea air I share in my book.
The Monster – Studio 54’s rival in Key West, a disco and restaurant that drew famous faces and unforgettable nights I write about in Memories of Key West.
Albert - A polydactyl cat who lived with me in Key West. His six-toed paws carried him through many of the moments I write about in these chapters.
Folk art village scene on wood box with hand-painted faux burl finish — This piece demonstrates the decorative painting and faux finishing techniques taught at Master Pieces, where students learned both fine art and professional decorative arts skills.
Master Pieces in historic Leesburg, Virginia, where David developed his own curriculum and taught painting techniques from beginner folk art to advanced fine art, welcoming students from across the United States and abroad.
Classical botanical study, showing the dimensional form and delicate tonal transitions that were central to the fine art curriculum at Master Pieces.
Memories of Key West is now available on Amazon in Kindle and hardcover. Through vivid personal memories, David Masters brings to life the people, places, and atmosphere of Key West.
Memories of Key West is now available. Visit my Amazon Author Page on Amazon.com