"Art is my drug"

Dorian McGowan, is a small man from a small town but as anyone can see, his artistic talent is anything but small.

He is a former professor at Lyndon State College, but now retired, he spends most of his days drawing portraits of students, staff and faculty members and even town residence. In addition to this, he continues to pursue his passions at home where he has his own art gallery, full of his own collection as well as his sons.

While others might have a passion for music, culture and science, McGowan believes art is a form of therapy for him. “A drawing a day keeps the doctor away.” Perhaps this is how he has reached the aged of eighty-one and still continues to pursue his passions in the art.

  Born and raised in Vermont he always knew he wanted to be an artist from a young age. He describes how his first painting was when he used the poop from his diaper and then smeared it on the wall, only to prove his mother right when she said all those years ago, “Oh God I have an artist on my hand!”

McGowan’s grandmother played a big role in nurturing his talent. From a young age she would encourage him to sit on her lap and draw with him. Being paralyzed from the waist down, McGowan found himself spending much time sitting beside her drawing, which he continued to do so even after her death.

Having gone to a catholic school, Dorian McGowan shocked his teachers when he told them that art was his passion and that’s what he wanted to study when he went to college. The nuns of his high school believed that McGowan was only pursuing this career goal as a way to see naked women, and while that may have played a minor part in it, he was set on his belief that he did not want to be a priest.

 After making this firm decision and writing to his inspiration Norman Rockwell, his decision was made when he applied to Pratt University. Passing the drawing exam heightened his confidence that art was his future. Moving to Brooklyn, NY was a huge risk that paid off.

While getting his education, little did McGowan know that that’s the same place he would meet his lovely wife. To perfect his artisan talent and also make a living, McGowan taught at a high school in New York before moving back to Vermont where he taught at Lyndon state College.

Dorian’s passion for art was passed down to his four children who are now grown and earn a living by being artists. Apart from drawing, painting and sculpting, building of stone walls is one of the many talents that McGowan has been able to express all over his property.

Never a seeker of fame Dorian McGowan is grateful and takes pride in all that he has accomplished. Raising a beautiful family and having a successful career.