About Gene Sharp

Gene Sharp (1923-2002) was an American artist born in Iowa City, Iowa and raised in neighboring Elkader.  His father, an attorney, served as Iowa state representative and in the State Senate.  In 1945, Gene earned a BA in Journalism (with a minor in Art) from the University of Iowa.  After two years with Meredith Publishing Company (Better Homes and Gardens) in Des Moines, he moved to Chicago and married Zadonna Hall (of Elkader.)

Gene worked for several ad agencies throughout his career as a commercial and graphic artist, settling in the northern suburb of Lake Forest, Illinois, to raise two children, Lucy and Jim.  In his spare time, he created an impressive body of work, particularly with watercolors, developing his plein air style of painting.  He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, and cheering on the Cubs, Bears, and Bulls.