Today we’d like to introduce you to Gene Locklear.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve had a blessed life I got to do two of my passions… Playing professional baseball for the New York Yankee’s, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padre’s and the Japan Nippon Ham Fighters. While I was playing I painted during off season. My dream started when I was 8 years old in an old American Indian grade school from seeing a college team playing ball. I thought the uniforms were the prettiest I had ever seen. My dreams of becoming an artist started when I saw an older kid in the school working on a bulletin board for our teacher…
From that day, I started sketching to become good with anything it takes commitment determination and loving what you do. I started entering local art shows at 8/9/10 years old by the time I was freshman in high school I started taking correspondent courses in art. When I finished high school I received a commercial art degree.
During my 10 years playing ball, during the off season, I painted and sold my art.
I’ve had many wonderful opportunities one being able to donate a painting that hung in the White House I’ve been featured in the show Wild World of Sports many different publication a book cover for Frank Sinatra and many others. I worked for TNT as well and was the Super Bowl artist when it was in California.
After baseball, I made a living as a professional artist … I am blessed
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There have been struggles to be successful you must have a combination of dedication & hard work & one who believes in a purpose in life.
Sports has to due first with your ability and the intelligence to get the most out of your talent/abilities in the minor leagues I was MVP twice ..two batting titles minor league player of the year..
To get to the major league I knew I had to separate my- self from all external stuff…Concentrate on what I was there to do..
In 1973, I made the Cincinnati Reds roster team I was then traded in 1973 to the San Diego Padres.. From the Padre’ I was traded to the Yankee’ then my career ended in Japan..
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My experiences as a Native American help me to specialize in the Native American subject matter.. The same in sports it helps me create the sports paintings I do..
I’m known for my Native American & Sports Art …I work with Oil, Acrylic & Pencil..
What sets you apart from others …..My ability to promote myself and the God given talent..
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Playing ball with the adults in the neighborhood.. The attention I received from my artistic abilities.
Contact Info:
- Email: susantlocklear@gmail.com
- Website: www.genelocklear.com
