Niki had a vacation home in Marbella, Spain it was on the backside of a big very upscale development this was in the 1970's. It had no view of the sea and no pool. However was a big Spanish style house with marble floors and maids quarters, brand new. She had white leather sofas and silk white drapes. A big glass coffee table full of very expensive art books, all about her, all pictures of her and her work on every page !! The house was filled with her art work, no one else's and lots of it.. she was rich!! Sandra Von Bismark the German aristocrat Countess was my date for her dinner party. I think she sold her the house. Niki was at the head of the table there was a man there living with her as well. She had help, did not lift a finger 14 people, at her big long formal table, heavy Spanish wooden chairs. I was seated on her left. After dinner we took a walk in her garden, looked at the big full moon she gave me the green light I was waiting for.. Was not a perfect gentleman. She was 20 years older than me. We went to Barcelona and she showed me the Gaudi house and we saw a big show with showgirls and I met two of her friends a couple, we went to there apartment and when I tell you that these two were the most beautiful, sexy, people on earth. I'm not exaggerating. I liked her and she was my art teacher and told me how to make a collage/abstract art / painted poster picture!! She said to me use what you have!! Abstract art should have color, form, and texture, and be whimsical !! She was self taught and matured in the company of others a real outsider. Because of her I had a one man show in New York at the Herbert Kende Gallery on Madison Avenue she taught me about texture - try melted crayon, and paint over it !! Claudo Bravo, Miguel Berrocal, Niki de Saint-Phalle were three visual artists that helped me the most.. Niki died in 2002!!!
