Edgar Byran Davis – Philanthropist
From “Texans Always Move Them: A True Texas Story”
When Texas wildcatter Edgar Byram Davis found oil near Luling, Texas, everyone benefited. After making a profit on his discovery, he used his funds to improve Texas. Davis celebrated by hosting a great free barbecue. He invited friends, employees and associates in Luling, Texas. He shared his earnings by contributing to charities, bought golf courses for Luling, improved hospitals, and supported the arts. His endorsements included supporting the Broadway play “The Ladder” for two years and the controversial figure Edgar Cayce. Davis personally paid for the tickets for the play because of his belief in reincarnation which the play emphasized and which was written by a friend of his.
Texas Impressionism
Edgar B. Davis also sponsored the Texas Wildflower competitive art shows. The $ 5,000 prize money awarded in the competition was the richest art award offered in the United States. Prizes were awarded for the national and state competition. Davis was fond of Texas wildflowers, and was possibly inspired by the Texas artist Julian Onderdonk (1882-1922), known as the “Bluebonnet painter” and the “father of Texas painting.” His paintings of Texas landscapes often depictions of areas near his home in San Antonio earned him a national reputation. His father, Robert Jenkins Onderdonk (1852-1917) was also an established artist.
These art contests brought painters to Texas and encouraged native artists to pursue painting. These almost single-handed contests gave rise to a painting style known as “Texas Impressionism.” Texas Impressionism sought to portray the effects of the sun and light on outdoor subjects. The Impressionist movement, which began in France, came to Texas through this movement. Artists born in Texas, José Arpa (1858-1952), Robert Wood (1889-1979), Rolla Taylor (1871-1970) and Porifirio Salinas (1919-1973). and Dawson-Dawson Watson (1864-1939) was born in England, yet his close association and similar style with the Texas painters mixes him with the Texas Impressionists. He combined the popular painting style of Impressionism with the landscapes of Texas. Artist Porifirio Salinas enlists fellow artists Robert Woos and Jose Arpa by selling them art supplies. From them he learned their unique style, even collaborating with them on some paintings. From those lessons, he mastered his own style. One of his later students, Palmer Chrisman (1913-1984), became an acclaimed artist. Chrisman’s paintings were gifted by President Lyndon Johnson during his presidency. This new style encouraged painters to come to Texas, and the Dallas area became a hub for the new Texas School of Art Painting.
Modern Texas artists whose paintings reflect this style are Dalhart Windberg and Larry Dyke. Dyke’s work has hung in the White House and other prominent venues. Larry Dyke’s paintings have their Bible passage reference in each work, which is one of their unique markers.
Lone star regionalism
Davis’s financial sponsorship was one of the bright spots during the economic hardships of the Texas depression of the 1930s. Between his sponsorship and the WPA projects that foster the development of artists and writers, a new familiar style developed. like “Lone Star Regionalism”. This new style gradually gained dominance over the earlier Texas Impressionism movement. The new style used darker colors to portray unique Texas subjects. Some critics may claim that dark colors reflect the dark mood of the time. The artists tried to make their subjects easy to understand for the common man. The ‘regionalists’ consider everyday life as subjects of their art and writing. This greater emphasis on regionalism occurred in art and literature. Writers like J. Frank Dobie were part of this movement for regionalism. J. Frank Dobie and Texas native Tom Lea pooled their talents in joint ventures during this time. Artists of the movement included Clinton King (1901-1979), Thomas Hart Benson, Jerry Bywaters (1906-1989), Alexandre Hogue, Henry Nash Smith, and David R. Williams. These artists were inspired by writers such as John Dewey, George Santayana, and Constance Rourke. A group of the most prominent artists who lived in Dallas became known as the “Dallas Nine.” Regionalist artists influenced art throughout the United States. At the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City, after viewing the work of Texas artists, the exhibition chairman commented: “The exhibition indicates that New York is still the art center of the nation, but clearly shows that during the recent years there has been a remarkable decentralization, and various cities and towns across the country have risen up to challenge the leadership of the eastern metropolis. “
Artists during these difficult times turned to many creative techniques and mediums. They painted on railroad cars, burlap, and just about any surface the paint will adhere to. At their wits, they made their own canvas frames and stretchers. The WPA government program employed artists to paint murals for public buildings such as post offices. Post office and court works often used murals to convey Texas and historical themes. Among the leading mural painters were Texas-born artists Tom Lea (1907-2001) and Ruth Monro Augur.
Tom Lea’s work was featured in federal buildings and post offices across the country. He also served as a military artist during World War II. On the centennial of his birth, President George W. Bush requested that Tom Lea’s painting of Rio Grande from the El Paso Museum of Art hang in the oval office. The work was eventually purchased and is currently on display in the Oval Office of the White House.
Texas still lifes
There were some artists of Texas regionalism who were grouped into a subgroup of Texas Still Lifes. These are still part of Texas regionalism, but with works focused on still life themes. Among this group were Lloyd L. Sergeant (1881-1934), Robert J. Onderdonk, Alexandre Hogue, Florence McClung, HD Bugbee, Olive Vandruff, Emilio Caballero, and Isabel Robinson. Many of these artists were located in North Texas or the Panhandle sections of the state. They shared a common theme of still life painting within the Texas Regionalist style and painted their works in the 1920s and 1930s.
Featured Modern Artists
Another modern artist from Texas is Bruce Marshall. Marshall is known for his portrayal of Texas historical people and events. His renderings of military uniforms and the precision of his details have earned high praise. He has written and published books on the early history and uniforms of Texas. His art was famous enough to be knighted for his achievements, which is why he is now known as “Sir Bruce Marshall”. He and his wife reside in the Austin, Texas area, on land that has been in their family since colonial Texas.
JOHNNIE LILIEDAHL is another Texas artist with an international reputation. His instruction and art are in demand all over the world. People from Europe, Australia and Asia attend his classes to learn how he captures his subjects in a classic realistic stye reminiscent of European masters. Johnnie continues to teach art classes at his studio in La Porte, Texas.