Gary Niblett was born and raised in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where he graduated High School in 1961. He was attracted to art early in life, with local ranchers often asking him to draw portraits of their horses. Gary found the work satisfying and after graduation he went to art school. First to Eastern New Mexico University and then ArtCenter College in Los Angeles.

Gary’s talent was quickly recognized and he enjoyed freelancing as an independent artist painting portraits of several celebrities including President Lyndon B. Johnson. Hanna-Barbera Animation Studios quickly recruited and gave him a steady job illustrating backgrounds for famous cartoons and works such as Charlotte's Web, The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, and more. However, the highlight of his time working at Hanna-Barbera was meeting Monika, a co-worker and his bride-to-be. They have since enjoyed over 50 years together. In 1973 Gary and Monika parted from their employer with a plan “to make a future.” He liked the thought of no one telling him what to paint and returned to New Mexico to focus his art on his interest – the West.

In 1975 and again in 1976, the Texas Art Gallery in Dallas honored Gary with consecutive “One Person Shows.” He was soon recognized as a master of the Western Genre and in 1976, at the age of 33, was voted into the Cowboy Artists of America. At the time, he was one of the youngest persons ever admitted. Since then his work has enjoyed a worldwide presence with exhibits at the Beijing Exhibition Center in China, the Grand Palais in Paris, and the Royal Watercolor Society in London. His large painting, A Stranger’s Welcome, is a central part of the lobby in the New Mexico capitol building in Santa Fe.

Through the years, Gary has found other subjects to paint. During the 1980s, Gary and Monika made several trips to visit Monika’s native Poland and other European countries, where he discovered a new and fascinating world to put on canvas. His palette acquired many unique colors, and he found new freedom in his style and composition as he sought to express his admiration for the people and places they encountered.

Gary and Monika have resided in Santa Fe since 1980, where he continues to make art with a new focus on the many landscapes and old Spanish churches in his native State. He says he wants to show his appreciation for the beauty and inspiration that is New Mexico.