About The Artist

Gary Weatherly comes from Central California Valley. From the time he was old enough to pick up a pencil and find some blank paper (or walls) he was drawing the things around him. In High school Gary drew cartoons of his friends in the style of Al Capp (Li'l Abner). Later his heroes would be artists like; Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Albrect Durer’s pen and ink.

When Gary was 17, he spent a summer in Dayton, Ohio with his grandparents, Earnest and Georgia Weatherly. This was a turning point in his life because they were praying Christians.

When Gary returned to California Mrs. Steiniger, Taft Union High School's wonderful Art teacher, encouraged him, and without Gary entered some of his drawings and paintings in art shows, and even won a few times. He began to realize that Jesus had a plan for his life, just as his grampa had said. Gary believes Mrs. Steiniger was an answer to his grandparent’s prayers. Gary moved to Southern California and studied Fine Art at Golden West College and Cal State Long Beach. He sold many of his paintings and drawings while in college. In Southern California, Gary also worked as a professional singer and musician. He wanted to follow his teacher’s example, but the music business and the influence of money, sex, drugs amd rock ‘n roll sidetracked him from a teaching career.

After years of "a life of quiet desperation”(Thoreau), Gary made a commitment to Christ, found true Peace, and discovered the meaning of the Love of God. Gary’s art and music took a new direction. He moved from Huntington Beach, to Northern California. There, in the beautiful Napa Valley, Gary met and fell in love with Debbie Adkins, and soon they were married. He opened the Napa Valley Art Studio with James Michael Orr, another Christian artist. Gary’s Napa Valley pen and ink prints have been very popular expressing his love for that beautiful valley. His original portraits have also been very popular. The Art Gallery in Napa has closed, and the only place you can purchase Gary's art is from the artofgary on-line gallery.

Gary teaches Bible studies in Sonoma county, and Santa Rosa. He was also Chaplain for a many years in Napa and Sonoma County’s Juvenile Facilities. Gary takes music and the message of God’s Love to young people who are hurting, and struggling, just as he did when he was young. He eventually established Calvary Chapel of Santa Rosa. Gary loves teaching Bible, writing, drawing, singing, and encouraging people to come to know Christ.

The artist says: “To be truly creative one must first meet the Creator. In 1974, while seeking God, that meeting took place in my heart. I have found that the only reason for my existence is to glorify my great God and Savior, Jesus Christ”.