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Landscape artist Cal Gaspard was born and raised on a farm near Kaplan, Louisiana. His art reflects his intimate understanding of nature. "When I am painting landscapes I am painting the story of my life," reveals Cal. A shy person with an unspoiled genuineness in his character, Cal's personality is the opposite of what people often associate with artists. But, he is also one of the most popular realist artist in Texas. His art has been featured in art publications such as Southwest Art (April 1976) and has been collected throughout the United States and Europe. H. Ross Perot and Dolph Briscoe have purchased Cal's art.
His education consists of observation, experience and hard work. Cal is a self-taught artist, and has been painting since elementary school. Cal is not opposed to an artist receiving a formal education, but reflects, "I feel that my lack of academic training could have possibly proved to be an asset to me in the long run. Whenever I needed help, I had no one to turn to with my art. As a result, it took me longer to learn, but I feel I've developed a style uniquely my own". The influence of friend and mentor A.D. Greer (1904-1998) has also enriched Cal's art. A well-established artist himself, Greer impressed upon Cal the techniques of the old masters and gave him a true appreciation for the study of art. Through his association with Greer, Cal has developed his art to a new level.
Cal's favorite subjects are found in his adopted state of Texas. A resident of Texas since 1961, he has traveled throughout the state capturing its bountiful scenery and rich character.
Cal has won many awards in art competitions. One that he noted was in 1974, a statewide exhibition sponsored by the Lone Star Art Guild in Liberty, Texas. Cal won first place and best of show for an original oil painting and first place for an original watercolor. He was the featured artist in the April 1976 Southwest Art magazine. In November 1984 he attended the weeklong invitational seminar conducted at the Cowboy Artist of America Museum, Kerrville, Texas. His waterfowl paintings have been repeatedly selected to be featured as publication covers at Ducks Unlimited auctions throughout the states by numerous fine art collectors throughout the United States.
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