Emotion and Light Jackson M. Hensley was born a third generation New Mexican on September 6th, 1940 in Portales, New Mexico. In 1959 with Peter Hurd's recommendation, Jackson went to New York to study at the National Academy of Design with National Academicians Leon Kroll and W. A. Levy. Soon thereafter he was awarded the National Academy of Fine Arts Merit Scholarship. By the age of twenty, Jackson had won numerous awards including Gold Medals from such prestigious organizations as the Salmagundi Club and the National Arts Club. His work was also accepted at various exhibitions at the National Academy of Fine Arts Galleries. In 1960 Jackson was made a full member of the Salmagundi Club. Later that year he met Carolyn Brown. They were married on August 5th, 1961. On August 6th, 1962 their son Michael was born. On September 18th , 1964 their second child, Janet was born, it was during this time that Carolyn was stricken with diabetes, a condition that plagued her and the family for the rest of her life. The winter of 1965 marked an attitude change in Jackson's career. While others may have sought a more public or material road, he chose a different one. Feeling that articles, political awards, and commissions would detract from his concentration and give a false sense of accomplishment, a detraction that could change his creative mode and direction, he chose self-withdrawal. At the time Jackson's parents were living in Santa Fe, so it was on a trip to the area that Jackson and Carolyn discovered the home in Taos where they were to live for the next twenty-three years. The historic house they purchased was the Joseph Imhoff home. The home was in complete disrepair having been abandoned for many years. Revitalizing the house, building additions and restoring basic livable conditions became the order of the day. The house and Arabian horse farm grew into a sizable estate that was in itself a work of art. A Jean Seth's Canyon Road Art Gallery one-person exhibition in 1968 brought an introduction to Richard Pritzlaff, an art connoisseur and world renowned breeder of Arabian horses. A friendship sparked, along with a love for raising and breeding Arabian horses. Riding horseback was also an important part of their daily recreation. Tradition, originality and integrity have been the cornerstone of Jackson's high standards in art. Ideology has kept him focused on the quality of his work. His own life and times are what he paints. Thoughts are put down in visual images, altering as life changes with each new day. Reflecting moments, a way of life, the very struggles that affect the work itself and the goodness of man and nature are his artistic statement, because of these qualities his art has become timeless and enduring. These Taos years were very good for Jackson, his self isolation served him well in creating works of unsurpassed beauty and vitality. The 1980's were difficult for the Hensley family. Carolyn became increasingly ill with diabetes. The family drew more closely together as Carolyn's time came to an end. Jackson's paintings took on a more intense ethereal quality. On August 14th, 1989 Jackson married Tresa Vorenberg. They settled in a remote area south of Santa Fe where they had the freedom and solitude to create their works of art and enjoy their mutual love of riding horses. A daughter, Morika Rose, was born to them on April 8th, 1994. After ten years of marriage the couple parted ways and Jackson returned to Taos where he continues to live, paint and run the Hensley Gallery. In the year 2000' the Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art purchased Jackson's epic painting entitled "The Prayer" for their permanent collection. The year 2000' also marked the second annual showing of the exhibition entitled the "American Scene" which, was held at the Van Vechten-Lineberry Taos Art Museum. Both exhibitions which Jackson was the curator for, included major works by a select group of  nationally recognized artist's from across the country. A culmination of a dream Jackson had held (to exhibit under one roof in Taos, important 20th century traditional painters from across the country) these exhibitions were supported and sponsored by Mr. and  Mrs. Ed Lineberry. Like in 1965, Jackson today continues his lifelong habit of self withdrawal choosing his own way and direction.   "Art for me is a personal vision based upon a creative response. It is simply the process of living, reacting and creating through the mind and heart, one's own life experience".   Jackson M. Hensley