Jerry Spangler Artist

Having grown up in a family with artistic interests, Jerry Spangler planned to have a career in commercial art when he came out of the Navy in 1964. Those plans were foiled, however, when he learned that the insurance business would offer an additional $10 a week. In 1964, an extra $10 a week was a lot of money for a newly married young man with his first child on the way.

There followed 43 years of hard work, establishing a successful insurance agency, and a busy family life revolving around his wife Marie and their five children. In 1994, Jerry finally picked up his paint brush again and rediscovered his old flame.

Combining his love and appreciation of outdoor scenery with his talent with a paint-brush, Jerry began painting with acrylics. "I guess you could say I am ‘self taught’, with the aid of many books,” the artist admits. “I have found the only way to learn is by ‘doing’. I have made lots of mistakes and have tried to learn from those mistakes.”

Jerry paints every day in his studio behind his home , transferring his love of the outdoors to his canvas. He particularly enjoys being around water and gets a great deal of satisfaction from watching the sky with its many colors and beautiful clouds. His time well spent — Jerry has completed many paintings this year and claims that the more he paints the better he gets.

Born and raised in Richmond, Va. Jerry has been a local businessman for over 40 years. He was surrounded by art while growing up. His father was an architect and artist and his mother was the first female draftswoman hired at VEPCO (now Dominion Resources). His sister paints with watercolors and he has three brothers, one who enjoys working with oil and acrylics. Jerry thanks his parents for nurturing and encouraging his inherited talents. His favorite artist is John Barber, Scott Christensen & David Zuck. David lives in Chesterfield County..Jerry's painting's can be seen at  the Studio Gallery of the Rappahannock Art League in Kilmarnock, Va. The Harbor Gallery, in Old town Norfolk ,Va. and Liberty at Compass Quay, Urbanna, Va. Jerry was also the featured artist at the 2008 Norfolk Harborfest.

Married to Marie Spangler for 45 years, Jerry and his wife also have thirteen grandchildren. The Spanglers currently reside in Wake, Va. where he lives on the Rappahannock River.