1983 Lady Nautilus Painting By James Yale -Interview with Mary Kay Patterson Sullivan

The Story Behind 1983 Lady Nautilus Painting By James Yale as told by Gordon Bradford; Interview with Mary Kay Patterson Sullivan


On January 27, 2025, Mary Kay Patterson Sullivan reached out to me about a watercolor painting and an architectural print image that she owns by James Yale. This began the intent behind the second year of the legacy project. On August 18, 2025, the second anniversary of James passing, the Nancy Drew crew is dedicated to following the clues in uncovering the lost art and stories behind the art of James Yale.

The Painting is Lady Nautilus. I had never seen her before and I wanted to know more about the story about how the painting came into her life and the story about its creation. So, I kept Mary on my radar to follow up. Last month before visiting her home, she told me that she loved it, but knew very little about the painting. It was gifted to her by her uncle Gordon Bradford.

When I came into James' life, Gordon was always a welcome visitor. From art patron to massage therapist, like me Gordon always had James back..literally, bringing his massage table over in the days James struggled with multiple sclerosis alone. His care kept James painting. In gratitude to Gordon, James gave him Lady Nautilus.

So, before I met Mary and the painting, I called Gordon and asked him to write a letter about the story behind the painting and his friendship with James.

To see the letter, visit the website www.jamesyale.com Rediscovered Art