PrintArtist spotlight: painter G. Harvey
G. Harvey's original paintings are in such high demand that recent one-man shows at the Legacy Galleries in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Jackson, Wyoming, offered new paintings by a draw.
A Trail Into History, oil
The buyer with the lowest number got to buy the first painting, while buyers with higher numbers had the choice of what was left.
Paintings by the contemporary impressionist tell a romanticized story of American life at the turn of the century in a style reminiscent of the French painter Edouard Cortes (1882-1962).
A Trail into History is one such painting that seems inspired by the childhood stories Harvey heard from his father and grandfather about ranch life, frontier days in Texas, and driving cattle across the Red River.
His grandfather was a trail boss at the age of 18, and the image of two cowboys riding out from a mission in the early morning light is classic Texas lore in the vein of McMurtry and Michener.
Harvey grew up in the Texas Hill Country outside of San Antonio, graduated from the University of North Texas, and studied at The University of Texas at Austin where he taught school while continuing to study art in his spare time.
After quitting work in 1963 to focus on his art full time, he struggled for two years before winning the prestigious New Masters Award in the American Artist's Professional League Grand National Exhibition in New York in 1965. This award proved to be the pivotal point of his career.
Today Harvey is one of America's most recognized and successful artists. His original paintings and bronze sculptures are in the collections of major corporations, prestigious museums, the United States government, American presidents, governors, foreign leaders, and captains of industry.
The recipient of numerous awards and the subject of four books, Harvey was commissioned by the Smithsonian Institution to paint The Smithsonian Dream commemorating its 150th anniversary and by the Christmas Pageant of Peace to create a painting celebrating its national event.
Galleries
• Legacy Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ, 480-945-8818, and Jackson, WY, 307-739-9606; www.legacygallery.com
• Whistlepik Galleries, Fredericksburg, TX, 830-990-8151; www.whistlepik.com
Issue: June 2009
