Gene Speck Works

Gene Speck is something of a phenomenon as a painter in that he is virtually self-taught. Born in South Dakota in 1937, he turned his attention to the arts at 35. It was through watching his brother in local art shows that he decided to begin painting. Speck presented his talents in a street art show and sold several paintings. With this encouragement, he focused on becoming a professional artist and turned his full attention and discipline to refining his skills. Speck moved to Nevada in 1976 to fulfill his dream of owning and working on a ranch. In 1989, Gene opened Silver State Gallery in Reno. As a nationally known artist, he has shown in galleries across the United States, including San Francisco, New York City, Aspen, and Jackson Hole. Speck’s paintings are nostalgic in that he paints scenes from the Great Plains that he saw all around him as a child. His depictions of ranch scenes and Indian encampments evoke peaceful and tranquil impressions. Visiting the beautiful terrain of the western states with its majestic mountains, deserts, and meadows, he creates compositions that appear true to life, with a special sensitivity and spirit that conveys a feeling of timelessness and space.