Gil Rumsey is a native Kansas Artist who grew up in Topeka.

At age eight Rumsey discovered his talent for drawing and painting while recovering from a broken leg. Art continued to be important to him throughout his youth. Rumsey decided to pursue his passion and graduated with a BA in Illustration from Kansas State University in 1969. Most artists only do one thing and one thing well but Rumsey has faced and conquered many challenges. which have led his work to be prolific and transformative. He produces about 30 pieces a year. Rumsey was first well known for his watercolor and acrylic paintings on landmarks, wildlife, and natural landscapes. More than 20 of his paintings have been used for Non-Profit Holiday Card fundraising. He has received many honors including KCTP artist of the year. In 2006 a fire devastated his Overland Park gallery. More than 500 original paintings and 20,000 prints, spanning 25 years work, were lost. Rumsey immediately started painting again and showed at the William T. Kemper Art Gallery two months later.

In 2013 Rumsey faced his most severe challenge. He experienced tingling in his hands and feet. Within days he was on a ventilator and paralyzed from the neck down. He was diagnosed with Guillain Barre. Syndrome: GBS. He lost the use of his hands. He lost the ability to draw or paint. It was unclear at times if Rumsey would even survive. After 91 days in the hospital, he was back at home with a new outlook on life and new inspiration. Some would call his work transformative since GBS. His new style is filled with different mediums, burlap, suede, glass, and tile. The colors are a vibrant and mesmerizing expressionist style. He has published two books, “Legacy of the Santa Fe Trail”, and an autobiography. Combined they feature more than 200 paintings and drawings. Rumsey’s art hangs in homes all over the world. Most recently he was chosen for the premier opening exhibition for the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center and the Kansas Water Color National exhibition. His work is also predominantly featured in Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, and the University of Central Missouri.

Gilrumseyart.com