The Texas Artist - A New Painting Every Week

Postcards from Texas(A Painting A Week)

Boot and Bouquet

6″ x 8″ original oil on canvas panel

Larry G. Lemons - Copyright 2007

This image is quite different than most of what I usually paint. I have produced only two other paintings using mostly brown tones (raw umber, actually), but I also added a touch of color. Without giving away my idea just yet, I wilI say that I am doing a little experimenting in this style with the possibility of producing a series of larger paintings over the next year. I haven’t fully made up my mind about devoting my time to this “brown tone” project, since my current work is more identified with bright colors, the Texas flag, etc. Do you have any thoughts about this style of painting? I’m listening . . .

Our trip to Georgia went great. Nineteen of my original paintings are now at the Booth Western Art Museum www.boothmuseum.org scheduled to go on exhibit July 31 through Sept. 23 in the Borderlands Gallery. Thanks to all who wished us well or asked about the trip upon our return. We will be flying back for a reception on Sept. 20. The Booth is a first class western art museum and I would highly recommend a visit if you ever get a chance to go.

Postcards from Texas(A Painting A Week)

Texas Prickly Pear

6″ x 8″ original oil on canvas panel

Larry G. Lemons - Copyright 2007

This image is a common sight in Texas and the Great Southwest. There are many varieties of prickly pear cacti, but my research indicates that this is probably a variety that actually is called the Texas Prickly Pear. The small reddish purple attachment is considered the fruit and is sold in some stores under the name “tuna.” This particular one was growing just south of Nocona on the side of the highway.

July 3-4 we will have a booth set up on the square in Granbury showing/selling prints and note cards. Drop by if you’re in Granbury over the Fourth.

July 11 Donna, Olivia, and I are headed to Cartersville, Georgia to deliver about 20 original paintings to the Booth Western Art Museum Borderlands Gallery for a one artist show that will begin July 31 and run through September 23 (with an artist reception on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm) The Booth is the largest western art museum in the Southeast. www.boothmuseum.org Click on EXHIBITIONS - Borderlands Gallery and scroll to the bottom of the page to see the show description.

Postcards from Texas(A Painting A Week)

Ladder and Limestone

6″x 8″ original oil on canvas panel

Larry G. Lemons - Copyright 2007

This small painting was created from a reference photograph that I took a few years ago while visiting the Texas Hill Country and attending Bill Bush’s Fredericksburg Artists School. Noted artist, Richard McDaniel, was the instructor for the week.

Postcards from Texas(A Painting A Week)

View from Casa del Mar - Galveston

6″ x 8″ original oil on canvas panel

Larry G. Lemons - Copyright 2007

This small painting is from a photograph that I took a few years ago from our balcony while on vacation with my family. Galveston is a beautiful place, but a little too humid for me. I’m more acclimated to our “dry” heat. And I enjoy it even better under the comfort of refrigerated air.

You may have heard this one: A Texas bicyclist is not so much afraid of having a wreck on the pavement in the summertime due to road rash as he is afraid of cooking to death.

Postcards from Texas(A Painting A Week)

Bountiful Harvest

6″ x 8″ original oil on canvas panel

Larry G. Lemons - Copyright 2007

This small painting is from a photograph that I took while visiting Granbury sometime back. A familiar scene to most Texans about this time of year, plenty of rain has produced plenty of hay. Now a little less rain would help the farmers get it out of the fields.

Inspired by a scene on the Geurin place near Capp’s Corner, this touching image reminds us all of the special beauty of motherhood and all of God’s creations.

Sorry, I missed sending out a “postcard” last week. Preparing for the Art Splash in Graham (as Artisan of the Year) along with completing a very special commission for a birthday present took most of my waking moments. I was flattered that I was asked by many folks at the Art Splash show to sign their T-shirts that had one of my paintings reproduced on it. I haven’t signed my name that many times since I had my house re-financed, but it was a lot more fun!

Postcards from Texas(A Painting A Week)

Pumpjack at Sunset

6″x 8″ original oil on canvas panel

Larry G. Lemons - Copyright 2007

This image is inspired by a common sight around the North Texas area that has been a part of our landscape and our economy for many years, the pumpjack. With a very busy last few days including Mothers Day, I almost didn’t get this one completed by my self-imposed deadline. Be careful, the paint is still wet and I don’t want it to mess up your monitor!

This coming weekend, May 19, I will be at Art Splash on the Square, in Graham, as the “Artisan of the Year.” If you’re in the neighborhood, drop by our booth and say howdy.

Postcards from Texas(A Painting A Week)

Texas Spirit

6″x 8″ original oil on canvas panel

Larry G. Lemons - Copyright 2007

Inspired by the awesome art of the “Trail of Painted Ponies,” Amarillo’s colorful Quarter Horses and other painted horse, cow, hog, frog, guitar, and other large scale art projects, I gave this small horse painting a real Texas twist. Hope you enjoy it.

NEW PRINT RELEASE COMING NEXT WEEK! I’m very excited to announce the upcoming print release of one of my newest paintings. I haven’t released a limited edition in over a year . . . but get ready. Next week, instead of the “postcard” your e-mail will contain one of the two of my latest images. The originals are already sold, but I was so pleased with them that I had to make these prints available. Details next week.

Postcards from Texas(A Painting A Week)

Texas Swing and Old Texas Barn

6″x 8″ original oil on canvas panel

Larry G. Lemons - Copyright 2007

Most Texans and Texans-at-heart would get a “peaceful easy feelin’ ” if they came across a scene like this. This one was only in my mind, but something similar, no doubt, exists somewhere in Texas, probably just this side of heaven.

Thanks so much to all have commented or bid on my weekly paintings. I love doing them and I hope you continue to enjoy receiving them. If you ever want me to do one especially for you, don’t hesitate to suggest an idea.

Our granddaughter is doing well. Her mom and dad have already photographed her in the bluebonnets at one week old. She’s a true native Texan!

Postcards from Texas(A Painting A Week)

Texas Spur

6″x 8″ original oil on canvas panel

Larry G. Lemons - Copyright 2007

I almost didn’t get this one finished on time. Our grandbaby, Lillian Dawn, was born on Thursday night at 11:32 in Stephenville. She weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21″ long. She and her mother and dad are now at home in Glen Rose and doing well. She’s already her daddy’s girl, but I think she’s going to be Granddad’s girl, too. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers for her safe arrival. You can see her picture at the bottom of this page.

Now a little about this painting. Inspired by my love of Texas and a pair of spurs that I found while rummaging through an old picture box, this seemed like a good idea for a painting. Hope you enjoy this image and I welcome your comments.