Bradenton, FL - Taylor Newton Ikin, 85, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024, in Bradenton, FL. She was born on May 10, 1938, in Norfolk, VA. Prior to moving to Bradenton, Taylor lived in Tampa, Fl for many years, in addition to spending over 18 years living on the island of Antigua, in the West Indies.
Taylor attended Holton Arms School and Women's College in Washington, DC. As a student at Holton Arms, Taylor had the unique experience of attending school with students from all over the world, including relatives of past presidents and family members of dignitaries connected with the United States Embassy. After she graduated, she spent many years teaching Kindergarten in Norfolk, Va.
While working in Norfolk, Taylor met and married Jack Gray. His job took them to Tampa, where they had happy years together before his unfortunate early passing. Taylor later met Neville Ikin of Sydney, Australia while vacationing on the island of St. Kitts. After a whirlwind romance, they married and eventually moved to Antigua. They had 18 wonderful years there before settling in Tampa in 1988.
It was her move to the Caribbean that ignited Taylor's artistic talents. It was there in the lush West Indies that she was drawn to the medium of watercolor. It was not long before her art career was off and running. Her years in the tropics influenced her desire to capture bright, strong colors with an emphasis on nature and a commitment to preservation.
Taylor's beautiful artwork created many rare opportunities for her. While in Antigua, she was invited to attend a reception at the governor's house honoring Queen Elizabeth. Having the chance to meet and chat with the queen continued to be a highlight of Taylor's life.
Taylor was also asked by the bishop of Antigua to create a painting of the Catholic cathedral. This painting was presented as a gift to Pope John Paul when the bishop visited him in Rome. Taylor was rewarded with a picture of the Pope holding her painting as well as a Papal blessing. Both of these treasures hung proudly in her art studio and home.
Attending a workshop in England lead by well-respected watercolorist, Nita Engle, catapulted Taylor's art career further and also was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Nita who became a cherished friend.
Upon returning to Tampa, Taylor became widely known for her work on YUPO, a synthetic tree free surface. She was hired to create a DVD, titled Dancing With YUPO, that still has record breaking views on YouTube. Taylor's work was also represented and sold through Nuance gallery in Tampa for many years.
One of Taylor's greatest joys was joining Florida Watercolor Society when she returned to Tampa. In addition to serving as president and board member, she also made numerous lifelong friends who she loved deeply. Attending and participating in Florida Watercolor Society events was a truly important part of Taylor's life.
Taylor was an award-winning member of Florida Watercolor Society, Florida Artist Group and Southern Watercolor Society. She also exhibited with the National Watercolor Society and The Florida House in Washington, DC.
Taylor taught regionally, nationally and in the Caribbean as well as 15 years at the Gulf Coast Museum of Art and the Beach Art Center. She also taught classes at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center in Dunedin, Fl and the Old Hyde Park Art Center in Tampa.
Taylor's art also inspired her to attend and lead various art trips all over the world. She guided trips to Kenya, Bali, England, Tuscany, France, Cuba, Nevis and Antigua.
Taylor's artwork has been published in Southern Living, The American Artist magazine, Watercolor Magic magazine, The Liat Islander Caribbean magazine, and The Lawyer magazine published by the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Her work was also featured in the book The Artist Touch.
Taylor's work hangs in corporate and private collections in the United States, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, the Caribbean, Wales and The Vatican.
Taylor had a gregarious personality and spread joy to everyone she encountered. She was often seen wearing her favorite straw hat with colorful flowers and was quick to pop it on your head if you commented on it. Her sweet, humble nature made her a natural magnet for friends. Her ability to connect with people and make them feel special was truly unparalleled. Known for her quick wit, amazing sense of humor, and nonjudgmental outlook on others, Taylor's positive attitude was infectious. Taylor was the eternal optimist and always saw the good in everyone and everything. She had a gift for collecting friends throughout her life, and her love for people was reciprocated by all who knew her. She loved her family and friends fiercely and always let them how much she cared for them.
Taylor is survived by her daughter, Selden Gray Steed, and husband Bill of Raleigh, NC; son, John Springer Gray II, and wife Kim of Orlando, FL; stepdaughter Michelle Stafford of Naples FL; grandsons William Gray Steed of Largo, FL and Tazewell Adams Steed of Greenville, NC; granddaughter Tyler Gray Mantecon and husband David of Naples, FL; great-grandson Liam Grayson Mantecon of Naples, FL and many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Taylor Robinson Newton; father, John Brockenbrough Newton lll; brother, John Brockenbrough Newton IV; husband, John Springer Gray; and husband, Neville Maurice Ikin.
Taylor's family would like to thank the staff at Westminster Manor, Point Pleasant and 1st Affinity Hospice for the loving care they showed Taylor during her illness.
A memorial service will be held for Taylor on Saturday, May 18th, at 10:00 in the chapel of Westminster Manor, 1700 21st Ave W, Bradenton, Fl. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Florida Watercolor Society and mailed to Kathy Durdin, 1820 W Richardson Place, Tampa, FL 33606 or made to Westminster Foundation in memory of Taylor Ikin, 1700 21st Ave West, Bradenton, Fl 34205.
