Carl Eugene Seyboldt

American/Utah/Oregon (b.1945)

Biography

“My great-grandmother crossed the plains in a covered wagon,” he says, “and I’ve always had an interest in historical transportation, especially covered wagons and stage coaches. Ever since I was small, horses and cowboys also interested me. Hopalong Cassidy was my favorite as I was growing up.

“My father was in the Air Force so we traveled quite a bit, to Germany, Illinois, Washington, Alaska, California, and Mississippi. After I graduated from Lompoc High School in 1963, I worked at Vandenburg Air Force Base and then served a full time mission to France from the Mormon Church. When I returned, I went to Grossmont Junior College where I graduated in 1969 with a degree in technical illustration that led to my assignment as an illustrator while I served in the Army. After I was discharged, I went to the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles and graduated BFA in 1975. Since then, I have worked as an illustrator and instructor at the Oregon College of Arts at Rogue Community College.

“I really didn’t get interested in painting until I went to the Art Center and then a new world opened up. Animals have always interested me, and I now incorporate them in my paintings. A covey of quail can be seen spooking a pack train, or a Chinese ringneck pheasant scaring the Concord Stage. Action in a painting is important, along with lighting and mood. Like most illustrators, I leave the climax up to the viewer.”