Art is an expression unlike any other. Art lets the viewer past my skin and into my heart.  Art is not something I do, but is an expression of that which already exists within me even though I may not know at the time exactly what it means. We all have an inner voice waiting patiently to be heard. As an artist, that voice gets to be heard and seen by the viewers of my work and by me as it moves our emotions and plays upon our heartstrings. I have been brought to tears viewing an artist’s painting and I have seen collectors of my work overcome in the same way.  What is it about a two dimensional piece of paper or canvas covered with pigment in a seemingly random way that causes these deep feelings within the human inner soul? What is it about a melody that keeps you humming or whistling it all day? Imagination from the heart of the artist or songwriter evokes this special feeling within the viewer or listener. Art, like music, connects and awakens that part of us which we already possess, the voice within our soul.  

How do I connect with viewers and collectors of my artistic creations?  I try to move them to identify with the subject matter, be it large as a mountain or as small as a rosebud by creating my own individual interpretation. As an artist I engage the viewer by re-interpretation of reality through manipulation and exaggeration of shape, value, color, line, texture and balance. Art is a springboard for imagination; it is an endless array of beautiful gifts is a powerful way of expressing a point of view.

Art survives the ages. Great fine art should become a legacy, passing from generation to generation. I can think of no finer legacy than to have family descendants in future generations on my family tree pass down my surviving works with other family treasures and heirlooms. Fine art has a genealogy as collections in every great museum will attest. Great art stands the test of time. It is my sincere hope that purchasers of my works will enjoy their purchases each day of their lives and will be able to pass them on to an appreciative member of the next generation. Every piece of art that I feel is worthy enough to leave my studio is intended for that very purpose. Every artwork put up for sale is the very best work I am capable of at that time, full of every bit of imagination and skill that I can give it. I use only the finest artist’s materials available with the full knowledge and intent that the work may be on view for at least the next 200 years.

When I affix my name to my work, it is an endorsement giving the viewer permission to stand at the window to my soul and look in for as long as they desire.

Gary Baughman, SPS

Gary Baughman, SPS

       ART EDUCATION

Department of Fine Arts, United States Air Force Academy

Scottsdale Art School, Scottsdale, Arizona

Private Study:  Tom Owen, NWS    Watercolor  1976-1980  

Professional Workshops:

Watercolor: Frank Webb, NWS,   Gerald Bromer, NWS,   James Boren, CAA           

Pastels: Albert Handel, NPS,   Richard McKinley, NPS,   Sally Strand, NPS                                    

SELECTED AWARDS AND EXHIBITIONS

Magnificent Seven" Exhibition, Mablehouse Art Center, 2010

Southeastern Pastel Society Members Juried Show, 2009

Connecticut Pastel Society National Juried Show, Board of Directors Award, 2008

Metro Montage VII, Marietta Museum of Art, 2007, 2009

Connecticut Pastel Society National Juried Show, Board of Directors Award, 2006 

Oregon Pastel Society International Juried Exhibition 2006

Southeastern Pastel Society International Juried Exhibition 2006, 2007, 2010

Three Man Exhibition, Art Station, Kennesaw, GA 2006

Hilton Head Art Society National Juried Show, Honorable Mention, 2006

Alabama Pastel Society National Juried Show 2006

Southeastern Pastel Society Member’s Show, Honorable Mention, 2005

Southeastern Pastel Society International Juried Show, Exceptional Merit Award, 2004

World of Art National Juried Exhibition, Third Place Award, Mablehouse GA, 2004

Marietta Chamber of Commerce “Concert in the Park”, Winner. 2004 poster competition

Kennesaw State University, Honorable Mention, Art of the Golden Generation, 2002

Southeastern Pastel Society International Juried Exhibition, Award of Excellence, 1993

       TEACHING

Instructor, Oil and Watercolor Landscapes, Marietta Cobb Museum of Art  2009

Private Student Lessons, Watercolor/Pastel  2007-Present

The Art Station at Big Shanty, 2006, Basic and Intermediate Pastels

Binders Art Center, 2005, Pastel Workshop

Mablehouse Art Center, 2004- Present   Pastels, Watercolor

North Cobb Senior Citizen’s Center, 2003-2005, Watercolor and Oils

Enrichment of Life Movement (ELM), 1999-2007, Drawing, Watercolor, Oils

      AFFILIATIONS

South Cobb Arts Alliance

Southeastern Pastel Society, Member of Excellence