Artist of the Adirondacks Gary Casagrain is proof of the adage “Find something you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” For over four decades, his art has been his sole career, bringing resounding success as a premier artist of the Adirondacks, with work covering landscapes, portraits, wildlife, dogs, and more, all in a style that has come to be called “Adirondack Classic.”

Casagrain works in oils, drawings and fine-art prints, as well as unique drawings on wooden paddles and maps. Many of his works are also available in high-quality giclee prints. In addition to his paintings, he has also worked in pastels for a limited number of works, with his drawings accomplished in charcoal, graphite and conte’ (a type of very hard crayon).

Casagrain is known for his variety of subject matter which expands his knowledge as an artist. Notbeing locked into one genre increases his enjoyment in the studio. His love of music is reflected in his work, which has often been compared to musical compositions. As Casagrain says, “Sometimes I believe that I am a musician trapped within an artist’s body: The brush stroke is music to the eyes, and individual strokes make individual notes. Being able to control them makes you a musician—of paint.”

A self-taught artist, Casagrain was raised in Tupper Lake and began selling his art as a teenager at flea markets and Big Tupper’s Octoberfest, because there were no art galleries around the area at the time. Today his studio, Casagrain Gallery, located about 10 miles west of Tupper Lake on Route 3, is a destination for lovers of Adirondack Classic art. The beautiful birch bark frames that enhance some of his work are produced in part by his wife Barb.

Tupper Arts will host “Adirondack Inspired,” a gallery show displaying over 40 pieces of Casagrain’s work, from August 10 through September 4. Included are some of those early pieces (a fact that gives Casagrain some trepidation), along with works from private collections, including some from the artist’s personal collection.  Some will be available for sale, including prints and posters.

An opening reception for the show will be held August 10, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will include the unveiling of 11 of his newest works with remarks by the artist, beginning at 5:30. Refreshments will be served to the accompaniment of live jazz.

Tupper Arts is located at 106 Park Street, Tupper Lake, NY, 12986, 518-359-5042. For details on gallery hours, visit tupperarts.org.

Casagrain Gallery is at 10287 State Rt. 3, Tupper Lake, NY 12986, 518-359-2595. Learn more at casagraingallery.com.