Meet Sparky LeBold | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sparky LeBold and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sparky, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important aspect of being a successful Artist is your “intent”… the honesty of purpose and the pursuit of process…there are many “so-called” Artists that simply make images for the pursuit of money and/or goals of praise from an uneducated public. To be true to oneself and the realization of God’s gift to be an Artist is vastly more important than fame or sales…Art is not about your skills as an image maker, whether you are an accomplished “wrist” or not…it is about laying out your heart and interpretation of intent which creates “success” in one’s own being.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I consider myself a Plein Air painter 🎨 first…I do enjoy studio work on a larger scale also, but creating from “life” is the most thrilling. To be able to interpret life in my own, personal way is always a struggling goal, but worth every turn and realization…scales falling from one’s eyes through every process of creation keeps me hungry for and striving to be an inspired Artist. Painting from “life” reminds me of how little I know even after thirty plus years of painting…it can be very humbling. Art has given me the opportunity and dimension of traveling to experience a great many and wonderfully romantic people…I’ve lived and painted in Europe off and on over the last 25 years…Portugal has been my second home and I hope to live out my years there…little fishing village of Sesimbra…they call me “Picasso Americano” in the village…wonderful place and people…being able to travel has a inspired affect on me….along this pathway of being an Artist, I’ve arrived to the constant thought of being grateful for this beautiful blessing from God. Art should be pure, honest and then “intent” true. I want people to know who I am visually, (I’m not very social) and feel the importance of honest work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would have them hang out in the village of Sesimbra and soak in the Sun, Sand and Historic wonder of my simple fishing village…the Sun and Sand can cure your ills…I would take them to my favorite restaurant, O Rodinhas…I would have them visit the Castelo Dos Mouros above Sesimbra…hike or sail to any number of private coves and beaches on the Costa Azul…just embrace the rhythm of this wonderful village. From the first time I came across Sesimbra, I never wanted to leave. I divide my time between America and Portugal 🇵🇹, but my dream is to stay in Seisimbra “sempre” forever.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I was granted the privilege of receiving the best education and guidance one could grasp for…I graduated from Art Center College of Design (1986) ;many Instructors pulled me under their expansive wings…Michael Spooner was and still is my guide in the dark…he listened and spoke with the conviction of an Artist, with heart and soulful solace when needed…leading with a sense of compassion and the furver of “fire” under your feet when needed…great Artist, passionate creator and gracious Instructor.

Instagram: sparkyinportugal

Facebook: sparkyinportugal

Other: E-mail is sparkyinportugal@yahoo.com