Intrusions of Culture (Blog)

As Paul Harvey used to say, "and now...the rest of the story." [...]

Until now, I had not seriously considered the merits of Certificates of Authenticity [...]

My week painting on Galveston Island [...]

I had the pleasure of participating in the En Plein Air Texas "Camp Revival" a few weeks ago in Christoval. The revival celebrates the gathering of painters to this small west Texas town going back to 1920. [...]

It was happening without me even knowing it. I was so focused on my painting that I didn't realize that I was the subject. [...]

Speaking of things falling from the sky [...]

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The first thing that comes to mind is that I like the attention. At first glance that seems rather immature, like a toddler throwing spaghetti on the floor for a reaction [...]

They even named three newly born goats after us. Here's hoping that Lon, Qiang and Kent are alive and well, and not on a menu somewhere. [...]

As I learned, out in dry west Texas, a trough without a float is about as useful as a saddle without a horse. [...]

My list of comparisons and motivations between painting and fishing. [...]

It seems to me that most outdoor paintings have at least two stories to tell [...]

My painting "Saguaro" was awarded 2nd Place in the March 2024 BoldBrush Competition [...]

My 3rd trip to San Angelo for the 10th annual En Plein Air Texas was, as usual, a wonderful experience. [...]

"I hope you don't think this is weird but I was just sketching beach scenes and thought you might like to have this." [...]

Cool Water, written by Bob Nolan in 1936 and recorded by Robbins in 1959. [...]

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The beauty, solitude and quiet of this place was an artist's dream [...]

Research has found that creative outlets like painting and other art forms can improve cognitive function [...]

Best in Show - Paint Historic Waxahachie [...]

  Ranch Live Oak won the DPW Monthly Contest for April. [...]

I didn't know what to say. I mean, other than paid demos, no one had ever offered me money for painting in public. [...]

If you have never experienced seeing an ocean of blue on dry land for as-far-as the eye can see, I highly recommend planning a day trip my part of Texas this spring [...]

Given their circumstances, to a man, the four riders had no reason to look back with any regrets. [...]

For anyone interested in how I approach the beginning of a painting I have ten questions to ask yourself before you even pick up a brush. [...]

San Angelo bound, this October. [...]

It's possible that I've spent way too much time working on my signature over the years. [...]

"Morning on Main" was awarded First Place at the Ellis County Spring Plein Air. [...]

If a boulder falls in the canyon, and no one is there to hear it - it's probably a good thing. [...]

In case you were wondering, yes, Texas does have mountains. Real ones. [...]

Mescalero Apaches, or Nde (In-deh), knew how to survive in the harsh mountainous conditions of southwest Texas and southern New Mexico. [...]

When I paint in remote areas I like to take a gun with me. Sometimes a painting just needs shooting. [...]

I try to stay out of political discussions on social media. Let's just say it doesn't make good business sense. [...]

Floating through Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park should be a bucket list item for any Texan that takes their citizenship seriously. [...]

On its bluish-green surface, saguaro scars hint of a centuries-worth of untold stories. [...]

Personally I don't consider either to be more or less valuable than the other. I prefer to think of them the same way I think of music, which is either live, or in studio. [...]

"Hey, let's all jump in the car and drive out to Big Bend" said no one ever. Okay, so maybe someone from Fort Stockton or Marfa has said this. But for most Texans this is just not a thing to do. And it's why we love this place so much. It's just too far from anything...and it's not on the way to anywhere.   Look it up. Grab a map of Texas (or Google it). Big Bend National Park is literally on a road to nowhere. You have to go out of your way to be here. If you really want to experience [...]

Let's be honest, with no offense to the homeless, I look like I could be somewhat residence-challenged. [...]

That chapter in my life arrived in the form of unbearable grief after the loss of my youngest daughter Shelli in 1990. [...]

I think I've accumulated enough experiences along the way that I can share a few with you. [...]