Laurence Sisson Still Fresh and Vibrant at 87
W
hen documentary filmmaker Mark Gordon completed the 2011 filming and narrative, In Studio LAURENCE SISSON, the project was immediately picked up by PBS in Albuquerque and just as quickly distributed to PBS affiliates all over America. The half hour interview with the renowned painter provided insight into the life of an American artistic treasure and resident of New Mexico. In this new high tech age of cellphones and endless internet information, a growing number of viewers have stopped to listen to the artistic wisdom of this one painter. At age 87, Sisson continues to thrive when most people in his position succumb to age, illness and the pressures of a long life. It is Sisson’s work ethic to
get up every day and perfect his artistic craft that motivates the artist; it keeps him at the easel striving for perfection. His oils and watercolors today have the same energy and even more polish and appeal than they did 30 years ago.
The most recent count lists Sisson in about 18 American museums, most of which feature both his oils and
When being interviewed by Gordon, Sisson had no reference point to predict that thousands of Americans would tune in to PBS to see his art. Sisson did not expect his gallery to get calls and correspondence from England, Germany, France, Spain and Australia after seeing the seven minute introduction on YouTube or the full PBS documentary. In this instance however, it was not the power of the media that drove viewers. Rather, it was the contents of the painters’ life work that caught the attention of collectors and people from all walks who became fascinated with the artist.
TOP Autumn Ranch, 42 X 60 Inches, Oil on Board, 2015 ABOVE 1951 Forbes Magazine cover art by Laurence Sisson.