We Remember Gil Dellinger (1942-2026)

-advertisement-

We are deeply saddened to announce the death of plein air painter Gil Dellinger on September 30, 2026. Gil was also a beloved father. Recently his children shared: “He loved being an artist, teaching art techniques, sharing his work, sharing his faith, laughing, speaking in funny voices and fake languages. He was deeply emotional and loved quickly and felt his pain just as deep. He loved his dog Buster, who passed away just one week before he did. It’s simple but true: he will be missed.”

Gil Dellinger obituary — Gil with his dog, Buster; image courtesy of the Dellinger family

Gil Dellinger, "Ancient," pastel, 36 x 24 in — Gil Dellinger, “Ancient,” pastel, 36 x 24 in.

Career Achievements & Legacy

Gil Dellinger was an award-winning artist and Signature Member of Plein Air Painters of America and two-time president; Pastel Society of America; Laguna Plein Air Painters Association; and the California Art Club. His work is in hundreds of private collections as well as The Haggin Museum, The Forbes Museum Gallery, and more (Source: GilDellinger.com).

“Gil was a great friend and a brilliant artist,” says PleinAir Magazine Publisher and CEO Eric Rhoads. “His work will have historical significance.”

Gil Dellinger (b. 1942), “Yosemite Falls,” [Yosemite National Park, California], 2019, acrylic on canvas, 84 x 48 in., St. Joseph’s Hospital, Stockton, California — Gil Dellinger (b. 1942), “Yosemite Falls,” 2019, acrylic on canvas, 84 x 48 in., St. Joseph’s Hospital, Stockton, California

The following is adapted from Gil’s website:

“One sculpture class was all it took for Gil Dellinger to fall in love with art. He described that college experience as the moment his life ‘caught fire,’ and he pursued art ever since. A multi-talented artist perhaps best known for his seascapes, Gil was equally adept in three mediums, primarily using acrylics for his studio work but also working in oils or pastels when he painted on location.

“Over the years, Gil’s works have been collected into countless private, corporate, and museum collections, and he participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions. He has also been an active proponent of the plein air movement, and has often been invited to participate in plein air competitions and events. Being part of the larger artists’ community was important to Gil.

“From seascapes to horses to vineyards to people, Gil Dellinger dedicated himself to capturing the beauty and drama he saw all around him, and he noted that one thing has remained consistent: “I’m just so grateful for my gift. I think of my life as a gift, and I think the gift that I’ve been given should reflect the excellence of the Giver.”

Gil Dellinger, "Garrapata State Park, Below Point Lobos," pastel, 16 x 20 in. — Gil Dellinger, “Garrapata State Park, Below Point Lobos,” pastel, 16 x 20 in.

Gil Dellinger, "Yosemite Falls," varnished gouache, 12 x 16 in — Gil Dellinger, “Yosemite Falls,” varnished gouache, 12 x 16 in.

Gil Dellinger, "Along the Bitterroot River," oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in. — Gil Dellinger, “Along the Bitterroot River,” oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in.

Gil Dellinger on the Plein Air Podcast with Eric Rhoads (August 2016):

More Tributes from Fellow Artists

Fellow artist Georgia Mansur has happy memories of taking a multi-day workshop with Gil years ago, where they painted at a vineyard: “He rode his bicycle between all the students to get around to everyone, which cracked me up but worked pretty efficiently! I learned a lot from Gil, and he was so generous with his knowledge and wisdom, particularly on tonal values. He showed us how he used Photoshop on his computer to manipulate the composition and design long before this was really a thing with artists (at least that I was aware of). He also had a great system with his acrylic paints; he stored them in a fishing tackle box, and it was very cool as well as being so practical. I was lucky to purchase two of his studio paintings, and they now hang proudly in my home. He was a hard-working man with a huge heart, and he gave so much to others.”

Gil Dellinger at the 2013 Plein Air Convention & Expo; image courtesy of Georgia Mansur

“It’s so hard to sum up the breadth of anyone in words,” said Joe Paquet. “I think my favorite people are always a bit of a character, and Gil was no exception. He was a large personality; mercurial, curious, opinionated, kind, warm, challenging and generous of spirit too. He was all-in.
“Right to the end he carried a spirit of wonder and appreciation of this world, which was leavened and guided by a deep spirituality.
“His work reflects all of those aspects as well and at its finest reveals a wondrous proximity of opposites; light/dark, warm/cool, risk/ care. His drawing was ever thoughtful – always respectful of the nuances in character. He translated those nuances to the written world as well with his poetry, which was always from the heart and a necessary extension of his curiosity and love.
“As a friend, I will miss our expansive conversations about art and life and the many good laughs we shared. The world lost a good soul and an artist who truly painted from the heart. How lucky are we to have his work to remind us.”