Texas Oil Slick Paintings a Hit at Artist Reception
“That was a hot summer,” said artist Andy Don Emmons about starting his series of oil slick paintings currently on display at Trinity Star Arts Gallery in Fairfield, Texas.
Emmons shared stories of creating the works during last week’s reception for the ‘Ghost Riders’ exhibition, so named for the signature piece featuring cattle being herded in the sky as his grandfather rides the fence line.
The pieces were created on canvas using cattle marker oil slicks. Pinks, oranges, yellows and greens with the occasional blues and purples were used to recreate scenes of ranching in East Texas.
They began with a small self-portrait with long, tall shadows; and include a Brahman bull peeking around a salt lick trough, a line of ‘drunk’ bull riders waiting their turn on the rodeo grounds, and a pink ‘man in the’ moon.
“I learned a lot while creating the series,” Emmons shared, saying that he enjoyed working with the markers better than traditional oil paint because it dried quicker. “I just kept mashing it in until the color was right.”
Some of the paintings are rather thick, with layers upon layers of oil slick coloring. Others, like the ‘Invisible Cow’ utilize a thin application of color.
The ‘Ghost Riders’ exhibition will be on display through October 30th, with gallery hours MWF, 1:00-4:00 p.m. The Trinity Star Art Gallery is located at 115 S. Mount Street.
What’s next for this artist? “I’m currently working on some drawings using wire,” he said.
Andy Don Emmons may be found on Facebook online; or visit with the artist in person at the Armadillo Emporium a couple days a week, on the southeast corner of the square in downtown Fairfield.
Continuing with their Fall schedule, Trinity Star Arts Council (TSAC) will present a Theater Works production of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ on November 14th to the intermediate school students of Fairfield ISD, Teague ISD, Wortham ISD, Dew ISD and Faith Academy of Freestone.
Then, the Trinity Star Art Gallery will join Fairfield Chamber’s ‘Sip, Snack & Shop’ event on Thursday, December 5th with the opening exhibit of the ‘Polar Express,’ a model train exhibit. The event also expects to feature student performances and artwork.
And finally, a free concert will be hosted on Sunday, December 8th at Lakeside UMC with professional guitarist Jack Sanders.
More exhibitions are in the works, with the remainder of the season to be announced in January, 2025.
See trinitystarartscouncil.org for additional information on upcoming events.
(Photo by Karen Leidy)
