50 Artists: 50 Years of Art in Springfield: Gladys Bacon

Inspired to paint a peaceful world

A native of New Mexico, Gladys Bacon brings over 45 years of experience to her representational style paintings of landscapes, animals, and still life. She creates with pastels, watercolors, oils, and acrylics.

"Every painting is a new adventure," says Gladys, "sometimes exciting, sometimes disappointing, but never dull. Usually the subject suggests which medium I will use to paint. I paint only what inspires me."

After living in Taos, New Mexico for ten years where she painted the Southwest and owned her own gallery, Gladys moved to the Northwest in 2002 to be near family and discover new inspiration for her paintings.

Gladys has been an active member of the Emerald Art Center since 2003. She initiated the art center's annual national juried show three years ago which stands as a great success in the area arts community and one of her proudest accomplishments. Gladys currently serves on the Board and served as treasurer of the organization for three years.

Viewers of Bacon's paintings will see how the beauty of the world inspires the work of an artist who captures a pleasant, peaceful experience of life.

In her own words:

Inspiration To Begin: "I knew I wanted to be an artist at about six years old when a neighbor gave me some colored pencils and a piece of paper to occupy myself while she gave my mother a home permanent. She put a peach on the table and asked me to draw it. I was hooked! My high school art teacher encouraged me to continue my studies but I did not start my art education seriously until my fourth child was just a baby."

Important Mentors: "Carl Cogar, who was the director/teacher of the El Portal Institute of Fine Art in Las Cruces, New Mexico was most important to me. I've also studied with several great teachers -- Tom Lynch, Frederick Wong, Ken Hosmer, Albert Handell, Anita Wolff, Margot Schulzke and others."

Value of Art in Her Life: "I can't imagine living without art. My life would not be as fulfilled as it is if I didn't have my art."

Her Artist's Legacy: "I believe that it is the duty of an artist to pass on what we've learned to the next generation. I rejoice when I see other artists succeeding! Locally, I suppose that the annual Emerald Spring Exhibition I started in 2005 will be my legacy at the Emerald Art Center."

For more information about Gladys Bacon and to see additional images of her art, visit Gladys' website: www.gladysbacon.com

To display a larger image of the art on your computer, please click on the photo.

"Misty Cove" by Gladys Bacon

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About The Artist

Birthplace: Mosquite, New Mexico

Arts Education: El Portal Institute of Fine Art in Las Cruces, New Mexico

Media of Choice: Pastels and Oils

Favorite Place to Do Art: In my studio at home

Favorite Subjects To Paint: Landscapes

Arts Organizations: Emerald Empire Arts Association, Pastel Society of Oregon, Pastel Society of the West Coast

Gallery Shows: Upcoming at the Emerald Art Center (November 2008); ongoing exhibit at LaVelle Wine Bar & Bistro (Eugene).

Website: www.gladysbacon.com

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All art images and photographs of the art are copyright by the artist.