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Scott Gentling
Scott Gentling | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 31, 1942 |
| Died | February 8, 2011 |
| Education | Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, under Walter Stuempfig and John McCoy |
| Notable work | Of Birds and Texas, Bass Hall Ceiling Murals, Gubernatorial Portrait of George W. Bush |
Scott Gregory Gentling (1942–2011) was an artist, author, and lecturer who lived and worked in Fort Worth, Texas. Along with his twin brother, Stuart Gentling, Scott became one of the most notable artists of Fort Worth[1]. Gentling operated in a variety of styles, but was best known for his Audubon-style book that contained paintings and writings, Of Birds and Texas.
Early life
Scott was born just 15 minutes after his twin brother Stuart, on December 31, 1942 in Rochester, Minnesota to Allan and Barbara Gentling.[1] The family moved to Fort Worth, Texas in 1948, when Scott's father accepted a position as head anesthesiologist at Harris Methodist Hospital.[2][3]
As a young teen Scott became fascinated by the work of John-James Audubon.[4] In November of 1956, Scott and Stuart attempted to recreate plate 206, Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) from Audubon's Birds of America in watercolor.[4] Several other copies and original works followed through 1957, cementing Scott's lifelong interest in Audubon inspired naturalism.[4] Once able to drive, Scott and his brother Stuart took a road trip to retrace Audubon's steps from Texas, through Louisiana and Mississippi, and ending up in Henderson, Kentucky.[2]
Education
At the age of 16 Gentling took his first art course under John Chumley at the Fort Worth Art Center.[5][3]
In 1961 Scott enrolled in Tulane University where he started to become heavily invested in painting.[4][5] Shortly after, he enrolled at Sophie Newcomb College to study art, though quickly became dissatisfied and left.[4] In the Spring of 1962, Emily Guthrie Smith, a family friend and artist, took two of Scott's paintings to The Fort Worth Art Museum's annual juried competition, which was judged by Walter Stuempfig.[4] Stuempfig, being impressed with Gentling's work, insisted the board of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts where he worked invite Gentling to attend. Scott accepted, and stayed at the academy until 1965, studying under Stuempfig, and watercolorist John McCoy.[4][6] Scott was formally asked to leave the academy in December 1965, as he had not attended a class in a year.[3] Upon leaving the academy he resumed living full time in Fort Worth.
Early career
Through the 1960s Gentling expanded his capabilities through his education and had some of the first major breakthroughs of his art career. In this time he explored mediums such as etching, watercolor, photorealism, and pencil drawing - while focusing on subjects such as history, nature, and portraiture.[2][3][4] Scott's first exhibition, Watercolors of Wild Birds, takes place at the Lon Hellums Gallery in Fort Worth in April 1961.[7] Although it wasn't until three years later in August 1964 that his first major exhibition would take place. Showing at the Fort Worth Art Center member's lounge, it featured twenty five paintings and eight etchings.[5][3] At the time he was 21, and already deemed as "one of the area's most promising students".[5] The art in the exhibit was listed for sale, and a notable purchase was made by Perry R. Bass of the painting Benbrook Barn.[5]
In December of 1964, as his local acclaim grew, Gentling was able to get Thomas Hart Benton to sit for a portrait - one of the few Benton allowed of himself.[8]
By 1965, Scott had branched out in style, and received acclaim once again for his work on the portraits of Eddie and Clemmie McGary, African-American sharecroppers.[9] They became favorite subjects of Scott's and would be subjects in his work for the following two decades.[3]
Valley House Gallery
In 1965 Scott joined the Valley House Gallery in Dallas, where he sold and displayed his works.[9][10] His first display was under the show Contrasts: The Chosen Ones on November 11, 1965, where five of his works are shown.[10][3] From March 17 to April 17, 1966 Scott had his first solo showing at the gallery where he displayed 35 works.[9][10] He broke an attendance record at the time for his show, when more than 5,000 people showed in just a month to see it.[4]
His works were again exhibited with Valley House as his art broker in:
- Christmas Exhibition, December 12-24, 1966
- Solo catalogue, April 7-31, 1968
- A one night exhibit, March 30, 1971
- Solo catalogue, April 5-13, 1972[10]
Local popularity
While Scott was able to find success with his own work, his popularity grew when collaborating with his twin brother, Stuart. In December of 1972 the Ralph Carr Fine Arts Leasing group organized the first of many of the brother's collaborative shows.[3] The brothers continue their cooperation, with large pencil drawings of birds which are sold throughout the 1970s to support Mayfest in Fort Worth.[3]
Of Birds and Texas
Later Career
Personal Life
Gentling was an avid collector of rarities, among his favorites were 18th century gentleman's coats.[11]
Notable Works
- Of Birds and Texas, 1986
- Jane Goodall Portrait, 1990
- Bass Hall Ceiling Murals, 1997
- George W. Bush Gubernatorial Portrait, 2001
References
- ^ a b Robinson, Gaile (February 10, 2011). "Artist left his mark across North Texas". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 14. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c Frembling, Jonathan (2019). "The Once & Future Audubon". Texas Heritage. 4: 9–11, 24.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Timeline". www.cartermuseum.org. Retrieved 2021-01-14.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Gentling, Stuart; Gentling, Scott (2001). Of birds and Texas (1st ed.). Austin: University of Texas Press. ISBN 0-292-72834-4. OCLC 45376259.
- ^ a b c d e "Gifted Young Painter Pursues Unique Vision of Neo-Realism". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. August 2, 1964. p. 39. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Stuart and Scott Gentling – U.S. Department of State". Retrieved 2021-01-14.
- ^ "Gallery Calendar". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. April 16, 1961. p. 15. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Rare Portrait". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. January 17, 1964. p. 24. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c "Scott Gentling .. artist". The Naples Monitor. June 30, 1966. p. 1. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d "Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden". www.valleyhouse.com. Retrieved 2021-01-14.
- ^ Bishop, Nancy (July 4, 1976). "Scott Gentling Continues Exploration of Reality". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 76. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)