At this point in Eugene Teixeira's life, he couldn't be happier pursuing the one thing he loves the most-his artwork. After recently donating his painting of Abraham Lincoln to Town Hall, Eugene continues to fulfill his dreams.

"I enjoy what I'm doing and I'm doing what I love to do," he says. "My love has always been painting."

Eugene originally began working on the piece after the painting on which it was modeled, which hung in Norwich Town Hall, was stolen. He then entered a contest to see which artist could best resemble the original by John Denison Crocker. The winner would earn a spot for the piece in the Town Hall as well as $8,000. Controversy ensued when dozens of artists who entered the contest felt they were judged unfairly, Eugene being one. He decided it was best to donate what he had spent months recreating.

"We were trying to think where to put it, so I called them because I have another watercolor picture at the Town Hall. I told the selectmen that I wanted a little plaque with it to dedicate to my brother, who was serving as a Marine and died in 1958. He was 24," he says.

From an early age Eugene knew art would be a part of his life. His skill ran in the family, with two of his uncles and aunt being successful artists. His high school class voted him "Best in Art," which helped to encourage him to further his education. After turning down an art scholarship to help his family build a home, he entered the Army and served for three years. He continued painting once his service was through, but quickly realized he needed something more stable in his life.

For the past 30 or so years before his recent retirement, Eugene worked for a printing company, but never forgot about his true passion. When he learned the company for which he was working was moving out of state, he realized there was no better time for him to go after his dreams of becoming a professional artist.

He was accepted to the prestigious Paier College of Arts in Hamden, where he was able to refine his natural ability. It was there he earned his diploma in fine arts.

"I went to school and they said all they have to do is polish me up," he says. "They showed me a lot of stuff I never knew before, like tricks of the trade."

His work shown in the Town Hall isn't the first of his accomplishments. Eugene has had his work displayed in the State Capitol in Hartford and has earned several awards over the years. His painting 5 Birds on a Tree Branch won first prize in his college's annual exhibition. That same painting was shown in his former school's brochures and was chosen, out of 13,300, as a finalist in the animal category for the popular Artist's Magazine in 1999.

Eugene likes to keep busy by sharing his gift with those who want to learn. He teaches art in Cheshire, Woodbridge, Hamden, and North Haven and enjoys being able to help others sharpen their skill.

"I love the teaching. It's what keeps me going," Eugene says. "Some teachers will just say, 'Okay paint this or do that' and then sit down and read a book the whole class. I don't do that-I like to walk around to every person. I think that's why they many of the same people keep coming back."

His work has been noticed many levels. He's earned several awards, including the Brush and Pallet Club Award, American National Bank Award, first prize for the Connecticut Classic Arts Spring Show, people's choice and first prize for Paier College Winter Art Show, and was recognized by the Connecticut Watercolor Society.

The life long artist is now in the process of finishing up his next goal: to get a spot in the well-known Greene Art Gallery in Guilford, honoring retiring artist Ken Davies. He was happy to be able to express his favorite style of painting, trompe.

"Trompes are fascinating because it's a building process," he says.

He also enjoys working with watercolors and oils and doing landscapes.

His hard work, dedication, and persistence has gone a long way. Joan, his wife of 55 years, has helped Eugene fulfill his goals, along with his son John and daughter Toni, grandchildren, and several students.

While other retirees are relaxing, watching television, or playing cards, Eugene explained he'd rather be in front of his canvas, creating his next piece of art.

"They call me the phantom because they never see me-I'm always painting. They walk around or sit and watch television, or play bingo or cards," he says. "I'm doing what I love to do."