Art Talk Tuesday: Deep in the Heart of Texas

The stars at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas! I moved to Dallas, TX in 1996 to attend Southern Methodist University. From 1996-2001 I was a happy camper in the Lone Star State, enjoying Texas Country music, BBQ, beer, boots, big hair, black pants, pearls and southern charm. Texas is really a very special place, Texans are beyond proud of being Texan and all in all they should be. Texas is a great state, beautiful, full of good food, good people and good times.

In honor of my friend Griffin staying with us, I thought I would highlight this painting. Griffin ( a military brat) likes to call Texas "home" as his family lives there. He himself lives in Hawai'i. ...but Griffin is NOT Hawaiian...no, he's Texan through and through.

I first sketched this painting in 1997 when I was a freshman at SMU. Inspired by the love people felt for Texas and the beautiful simplicity of the flag, I came up with what would become this painting. I first took the sketch to a larger scale, when I painted a watercolor of it for my now father-in-law who was born in Harlegen, TX. He displayed that painting proudly in his office at City Hall his entire term as Mayor. I then opted to paint it with acrylics for my first art exhibition, where the painting sold the first night to a Texan transplanted in Miami. The painting was so popular, that a year later a friend and sorority sister of mine from Texas, commissioned one for her new home in California. Two years ago I put the same "Texan Heart" on bags for two separate friends who not only loved it, but wanted to carry it around with them! So, I guess you could say, this is one of my most sought after paintings! ...and I will admit, I too love this painting.

Hope you're having a great week so far!

XOXO