Artist Known for Yosemite Paintings Dies at Age of 78

by Rick Bentley
Fresno Bee - June 4, 2004

Jane Gyer, the woman considered by many art critics and art lovers to be the first lady among contemporary painters of Yosemite, died Tuesday.

She was 78.

No official cause of death has been established, but Mrs. Gyer battled with a heart condition, had a pacemaker and back problems for more than a year, said her husband Jack Gyer.

"She was just a light," said longtime friend and fellow artist Ginny Burdick. "I have known her as a friend, as a student, as an art colleague. There was a warmth about Jane. She could light up a room. She was always smiling."

Mrs. Gyer's passion for nature developed during her childhood when her family would vacation in the mountains of the West. She was a San Francisco native but grew up in Los Angeles. She lived in the Oakhurst area for nearly 50 years. Mrs. Gyer worked in acrylic, scratchboard and etching, but it was her watercolors that drew the most attention. Mrs. Gyer's watercolor paintings often featured the lush landscapes of Yosemite National Park and the Sierra. She had been artist in residence for both Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Park and was featured on an episode of the NBC morning news program "Today Show" in May 1997.

Mrs. Gyer received the first National Park Service Director's Award for her illustrations of the book, "Discovering Sierra Trees." She collected a second Director's Award for her poster design created for the Yosemite Fund.

"She could paint Yosemite from the heart. She painted what was inside her," Burdick said.

All of Mrs. Gyer's paintings reflect her passion for art, her environment and her wonderful sense of humor, Burdick said. She recalled a painting Mrs. Gyer did after returning from a trip to Ireland.

"It was this gorgeous landscape. Down in the corner was a leprechaun," Burdick said.

Along with being featured in numerous galleries in the Yosemite area, Gyer's artwork also can be found in many private and institutional collections.

She is listed in "Who's Who of American Women."

Maggie Elliott, another fellow artist, called Mrs. Gyer "an incredible talent who was an inspiration to other artists." She added that when Mrs. Gyer was young, she wanted to work as an animator for the Walt Disney Studios.

Jan Claire has been a friend of the Gyers since he moved to Oakhurst in 1996.

"She was the first person I met. I am an artist. I walked into Timberline Gallery, which is an artist co-op, and Jane was on duty. I asked her how I became a member. Three and a half hours later, we were still talking. She was just that kind of person," Claire said.

Mrs. Gyer's work wasn't limited to canvas. She created backdrops for performances at Oakhurst's Golden Chain Theater in the late 1960s and 1970s.

Mary Lou Finley, Golden Chain Theater board member, explained that the Gyers were important in getting the community theater started and continued to support it over the years.

"Her paintings for the theater were above unbelievable. She was always willing to give 100% for the community," Finley said.

A community celebration of Mrs. Gyer's life will be held 6 p.m. June 13 in Oakhurst's Community Park.

"That's her birthday," said her husband. He added that the celebration is open to everyone.

Burdick explained that the celebration is the proper way to remember Mrs. Gyer.

"She would not have wanted anyone to be sad," Burdick said. She added that Mrs. Gyer was devoted to her painting and to her husband.

Mrs. Gyer is survived by her husband and five children and stepchildren.