Panhandle Plains Museum Invitational

Dusk on the Prairie Dog Town Fork
14 x 18
Available at the Panhandle Plains Museum Invitational

The Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River captured my imagination over ten years ago. We crossed over it several times a year on our way back and forth from Florida to New Mexico. There was just something about it that was quintessential West Texas.

It is one of two streams that form the headwaters of the legendary Red River. When I say "stream", I am perhaps speaking a bit too grandly about what is mostly a dry, sandy, occasionally muddy, braided swath that cuts through the panhandle of Texas.

I've exhibited for a number of years at the Panhandle Plains Museum Invitational (which I wrote about here) . The very first year I sent a painting of The Prairie Dog Town Fork and went to the opening, eager to see my work hung in this venerable institution. As I stood near my work, I saw one Texan point to the painting and say to another "I reckon we must have had a flood that year." Alas, there was too much water! He bought it anyway, so it must not have bothered him too much. But, this year I decided to opt for a little more sand and mud and bit less water.

Panhandle Evening

Panhandle Evening Oil 6 x 6
Sold
This is a study for a larger piece for the Panhandle Plains Museum Invitational. This is my third year in this show. The Museum is located in Canyon, Texas (near Amarillo). In addition to the museum, one of Canyon's claims to fame art-wise is that it was the place that Georgia O'Keeffe taught for several years and where she first started doing the work which would lead to her status as an icon of modernism. The other is Palo Duro Canyon a 120 mile canyon with a spectacular landscape and history of human habitation for the last 12,000 years.

The Museum is an amazing place. It is filled with exhibits and collections relating to all facets of the area- history, archeology, geology, art and culture . You could happily spend days wandering around from exhibit to exhibit. The Invitational is an annual exhibition and sale which features artists from all over the southwest. As I have mentioned here before, I have a special place in my heart for the Panhandle. I love its stripped down, spare beauty and its people are warm, hard working, delightful folks. So, its a treat and a privilege to be included in this show.

Rhythm & Blues

Rhythm & Blues Oil 6 x 6
Sold
This is painted from memory. One of my favorite stretches of road is 287 between Amarillo and Wichita Falls. Now, even Texans think I am crazy to say that, but this is where the Plains meet the West - an area also known as "the Breaks". Agriculture and ranching, nourished by the Red River, clings to a narrow swath surrounded by big open country.