Gary Bowling, born in 1948 in Lamar, Missouri, is a distinguished American landscape painter known for his evocative oil paintings capturing the subtle beauty of the Midwest. Initally pursing architectural engineering, he later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting and drawing from the University of Arkansas in 1974. Gary served as Chairman of the Art Department at Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa, for nine years before becoming a full time artist in 1981. 

Gary was awarded a residency at the prestigious Yaddo Institute, an artist retreat in Saratoga Springs, New York, where he further honed his craft alongside other talented artists. His participation in this program underscored his status as a serious and accomplished painter.

Gary's landscapes depict serene environments that invite contemplation and describes his work as focusing on places filled with light and atmosphere, aiming to free the mind of every encumbrance except for the beauty of the scene. His approach reflects his belief that a place might need some almost imperceptible strangeness to keep us alert, enhancing our experience of its beauty. 

One major influence on Gary's work has been the Impressionist movement, particularly the art of Claude Monet. Whenever Gary visits Paris, he makes a point to study the Impressionist masterpieces at the Musee d'Orsay, drawing inspiration from the artists ability to capture light and atmosphere, as well as influence from their vibrant color palettes and expressive brushstroke.

Throughout his career, Gary Bowling has continued to explore the landscape genre, producing works that capture the essence of the Midwest's natural beauty. His work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, offering a tranquil escape into the natural world. 

Gary's artwork has been widely exhibited across the United States, with notable showings at the Sheldon Art Museum, the Huntington Museum of Art, the Mitchell Museum, and the Rockford Art Museum. 

Additionally, Gary's work has been selected for the U.S. State Department's Art in Embassies program. His paintings are displayed in American embassies worldwide, serving as cultural ambassadors that showcase the beauty of the Midwest on an international stage. The above painting, Tangerine and Cobalt, was featured at the U.S. embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

Gary's paintings are held in numerous prestigious collections including: AT&T, Bank of America, Deloitte and Touche, Fuji Bank, Saint Luke's Health System, the Mayo Clinic, Hallmark Cards, Hewlett Packard, United Airlines, 3M, UMB, the U.S. State Department, PepsiCo, the Federal Reserve Bank, the Kemper Collection, and the Iowa State University Museum. 

Join us again next week for another dose of inspiration. -HC