ARTIST STATEMENT Sparky LeBold has made a name for himself both in America and abroad over the course of his stellar career. Since graduating from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California (1986), he has been inducted into Who's Who in American Art (2002), has held twelve One-Man Shows across America and in Europe and recognized as a National Artist of Portugal, where townspeople of Sesimbra have lovingly nicknamed him “Picasso Americano”. LeBold's oil paintings are inspired by the beauty he has experienced while traveling all over the world. His ability to translate what we see in nature onto canvases large and small has resonated with corporate and private collectors for the the past 35 years and captured the attention of The Artist's Magazine when they listed him as “one of the top 50 landscape painters in America”. LeBold is a mysterious and passionate man. When he moved to Colorado Springs in the mid-1990's and found the art community felt a bit stalled, he founded Cottonwood Art Academy. Cottonwood became an epicenter of creative collaboration and after Sparky's departure, it became Cottonwood Center for the Arts. Sparky has enjoyed living in the seaside villages of Portugal for the past twenty five years and many of his captivating seascapes are inspired by the Costa Azul he calls home. Sparky's work is full of emotion and spirit, reflecting his desire to communicate and raise awareness for the beauty in nature that we may overlook. His images hold your attention, touch your soul and leave an imprint that lingers. Not to mention, he has a sweet ponytail. PressWe are thrilled to share that the incredibly talented Sparky Lebold was recently spotlighted in an inspiring interview on Bold Journey! Dive into the captivating world of Sparky, where each stroke and color tells a story of passion and creativity. Discover the journey behind his mesmerizing artworks and get a glimpse into the mind of an artist who brings imagination to life. Read the full interview here and experience the magic that Sparky brings to the canvas.