Dean Gilliland of Ridgewood NJ talks about his landscape paintings

Thanks to retirement, Dean Gilliland could finally call himself a full-time artist. He now spends his afternoons capturing the quiet beauty of everyday landscapes and local architecture. The Ridgewood resident thinks that artists should love the process of creating a painting and urges others to ‘keep on plugging,’ no mattertheir age.

When did you become an artist?

I remember always being interested in pursuing art.

Do you have a formal arts education?

I graduated with a BS in art education from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. While living in New York, I also studied at The School of Visual Arts, The Art Students League and other Ateliers in Manhattan.

What inspires your work?

I like to paint what is around me. The town I am living in. Views of local parks.

Is creating art your full-time job?

Currently, yes, but for most of my life it was not.

When did you realize that you wanted to make art professionally?

I was never able to call myself a full-time painter until about six years ago, when I retired from a career in Fashion Design. I always had to fit my work as an artist around my job. Since I stopped working, though, I have been able to spend most afternoons in my studio. Retirement has become a welcome chapter in my life.

Can you describe your creative process?

I mostly work from photo references in my studio. I try not to be a slave to them, but use them as a jumping-off point for composition and color. Sometimes I will set up a still life next to a window and paint the arrangement from life just for a change.

Is there a common theme to your work?

I do seem drawn to landscapes but not the big sweeping ones. I like them more intimate. I also like architecture.

How has your art evolved?

In the past few years, I have been trying to introduce more color into my projects.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

Keep working as much as you can.

Where can we see your work?

At my home studio. I also maintain a website. I do show my work from time to time and announce the details on social media.

What are some of your favorite places in Bergen?

I have found a lot of subject inspiration at The Celery Farm Nature Preserve in Allendale.

What’s next?

Since I am now 72, I am grateful for any and every ‘next.’

Anything else you would like to add?

It’s important to be realistic about the art world but not become discouraged. I had an art teacher who once told me many years ago to ‘keep on plugging.’ I try to keep that in mind.

Joram Mushinske is the art director for (201) Magazine. He writes monthly columns in (201) about local influencers and asks business owners to share their favorite things to do in Bergen County. Joram is a Ridgewood native and his work appears regularly in The Record and on NorthJersey.com. He also manages the @201magazine account on Instagram. Click here to have (201) Magazine delivered to your mailbox each month.

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