Acclaimed artist Ted Blaylock was inducted into The Bradford Exchange Hall of Fame last year, and I had the privilege of attending the ceremony. I’ve long admired his work, so it was a real honor to see him in person. Few artists have so effectively portrayed both the power of nature and the graceful beauty of its wildlife inhabitants as exquisitely as he does. In Ted Blaylock’s work, these two elements dramatically enhance the uniqueness of the other, creating a masterpiece as breathtaking as the subject itself.
Join me in learning a bit more about the man behind the artist and scroll down to see some of my favorite Ted Blaylock treasures from The Bradford Exchange that showcase his artistry in amazingly unique ways.
Born in 1940 in the foothills of the Ozarks and raised in the St. Louis area, Ted’s first inclination toward art came when he was about seven. He remembers making a stick easel and with his primary watercolors, painted a picture of an old tree in the park.
During his early adult life, Ted held a variety of tough jobs all far removed from the world of fine art, yet regardless of the job, his leisure time was spent developing a talent to draw and paint. In 1969, he decided to follow his artistic instincts and opened an art gallery and instruction school in Collinsville, Illinois. In 1972, Ted, his wife Norma, and their four young sons left their home state of Illinois and headed west to Arizona to further his art career.
A man of faith, Ted developed a mark which he places in front of his signature on all his artwork. It consists of a cross on the top of the letter C. This is his testimony of God’s love in his life and his artist statement includes, “I thank the Lord for the talent he has given me, and have yet to wake up thinking of my art as a job.”
His art has been collected worldwide and has been selected for the top 100 Arts for the National Parks program, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum Birds in Art, The National Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art. His works have also been selected for the Arizona Life-time Trout Stamp, 1990-91 Arizona Duck Stamp, Wildlife for Tomorrow Arizona Print of the Year, and Arizona Artist of the Year.
Here are just a few of the ways The Bradford Exchange highlights Ted Blaylock’s masterful work:
Showcasing Blaylock’s breathtaking “Canyon Protectors” on the fabric shade, this tabletop lamp really illuminates the beauty of nature and its inhabitants. I love the sculpted scene on the base as well, capturing two adult bald eagles tending to the eaglets in their nest. Stunning and sweet!
Ted Blaylock’s visions are so realistic, I sometimes think the eagles are about to fly off the canvas! This Market First wall clock brings his artistry to new heights, showcasing a fully dimensional eagle emerging from a 2D image of a gorgeous canyon vista, expertly printed on a seamless piece of brushed metal. It’s a marvel to behold every minute!
Sovereign Spirits Hanging Sculpture
The flowing shape of this hanging sculpture really lets my imagination soar. Nine sculptural eagles surround a porcelain center spiral which features Ted Blaylock’s eagle artwork, and as it rotates, it gives the appearance that these noble birds are surveying their domain.
Majestic Retreat Personalized Collector Plate
I’m always happiest when I’m tucked away in a cabin in the woods, surrounded by nature and a few close friends. Not only does this framed plate capture the unforgettable moments of the great outdoors, it features your name on the back of the boat for an extra personal touch!
Ted Blaylock’s eagle art takes center stage with this mixed-media collectible sculpture. It’s expertly recreated in full color on genuine, tanned leather and real feathers adorn the hand-painted replica dreamcatcher frame for the perfect finishing touch. For eagle admirers, it’s certainly a dream come true!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this artist’s spotlight as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing it! Make sure to visit The Bradford Exchange Online to see all of the unique creations inspired by the artistry of Ted Blaylock.
Thanks for reading, and please share this post to help me honor this amazing artist!
Ted Blaylock - Bradford Exchange Hall of Fame Artist by Beth Simon
