Baker, Gordon
Artist Statement
A journey begun. I am a geologist, an environmentalist, and an artist; nature is the common denominator. Painting brings it all together. My artwork is a summation of a lifetime of experiences and says as much about me as it does about the subject matter.
As seen through my eyes, I record my impression of the wonderment, the mystique, and prevaling mood of nature, in the context of discovery. I also capture the historical aspects of nature and man-made artifacts that are subject to vanishing with time. This is done with brush, canvas, board, and oil paints in plein air and in the studio in a representational style.
My ultimate goal is to become the very best artist that I am capable of being – a rewarding liftetime of learning. The journey continues.
About Artist Gordon Baker
I am a geologist, an environmentalist, and an artist; nature is the common denominator. My journey begins.
I paint exclusively in oil, both in plein air and in the studio. Current work is primarily focused on landscape in Oregon, Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and National Parks in the Western States. It also includes native wildlife. My paintings, as seen through my eyes, record my impression of the wonderment, the mystique, and the prevailing mood of nature, in the context of discovery. This is done in a representational style.
After my retirement from an international oil company, I looked for a challenge as great as geology and I found it as an artist. Ninety percent of my development as an artist comes through self-study, but an important ten percent comes from generous suggestions and critiques from my artist wife and many artist friends.
My major accomplishments are:
- In 2011, my painting “Spring Abstract” was given honorable mention in the Artists Magazine.
- In 2008, my painting “Light on Zion” was added to the permanent collection at the Ste. George Art Museum as part of the 100th year anniversary of Zion National Park. This collection toured the US for 2 years.
- In 2006 my painting “The Hills of Eastern Oregon” was juried in the Oil Painters of America national show.
- In 2006, my painting “Newport Sunset” was juried in the Oil Painters of America regional show.
Many individuals residing in many states and Europe own my paintings. I have also donated paintings to government agencies that have no funds to purchase art.
My artwork is a summation of my lifetime of experiences. This is what has made me who I am, how I think, and how and why I paint. I have a BA and a MS degree in Geology and worked for a major international oil company for 31 years -16 years as a geologist in the international division, and 15 years in management in the US.
I was born in Feruary 1937 in Sioux City, Iowa, and now reside in Bend,Oregon. In December 1958, I had the good fortune to marry Kay (Mortrude) Baker.
Artist Code: GB
