R. Tom Gilleon

R. Tom Gilleon’s grandfather immigrated to the United States from Scotland.  His grandmother, a full blood Cherokee, descended form the band of tribal members who refused to partake in the infamous Trail of Tears.

During the early 1960’s, R, Tom Gilleon joined the Navy, and when he got out he started working at Cape Kennedy, in a contract for the Pan-Am Corporation, as an illustrator.  Later he moved to California with a team of illustrators to work at Disney’s Imagineering Studio, and was in charge of designing Epcot Center.

After a move to Montana he began showing his work in galleries. Starting with landscapes, then progressing to the iconic images of the American West, he is now recognized as one of the leading figures in the western contemporary genre.

Gilleon’s connection to the aboriginal inhabitants of this continent echo throughout his work.  Gilleon himself has slept inside the teepee rings, sat, meditated and sketched within the circles, reflecting on the stories of his grandmother.

Gilleon says, “Simplicity is a key to fine art.  By eliminating all the unnecessary elements and being as direct as possible, an artist has the opportunity to tell a story and to guide the viewer’s eye and emotions.”

Altamira Fine Art is pleased to represent R. Tom Gilleon, the 2009 Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Featured Artist. 

His painting "Yellow Leaves Moon" is featured on the 2009 Fall Arts Festival Commemorative Wine Bottles, Images West Magazine, as well as the 2009 Poster. 

The Original 50 x 50 Oil Painting will be auctioned off on Saturday September 19th during the Quick Draw Auction located on The Town Square.

For information on purchasing a poster please contact the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce (307) 733 - 3316.