Art Prints

   Mark Keathley was born on April 23, 1963, the son of loving and dedicated parents, and the middle of three children. He spent his early years growing up on the family farm in East Texas and has always dearly loved and enjoyed the glorious and diverse world around him.

Those early years in the country have definitely had a lasting effect on what he loves to paint. Vivid memories of chasing lizards, exploring the creek, raising chickens, making forts in the thick brush, hunting with his father and grandfather, and whatever else could be dreamed up are the inner strands that help to make up the colorful collection of memories that make up his boyhood. Although, at the time, he was unaware of what was happening to him, he can now see what that kind of life, in his particular family, has given him. He now has a deep appreciation for a simpler life where raising and providing for his family, thoroughly enjoying his wife (and best friend), and doing the work that was given to him to do are his daily delights. As a child, however, his daily delights were trying to get that big bass on a hook, or to see how high he could climb in the old sweet gum tree. There was always something different to do, but there was a common thread that found its way in almost every situation. "Look at that!" he would say calling attention to the colors of trees, or a young colt kicking up his heels as he would bolt from the coral. He was constantly paying attention to the beauty of that late evening sunlight on grand pine trees and soft pastures of grass.

     Rarely did something beautiful escape his notice. At an early age he was taken with the desire to capture those perfect moments in time when a fond memory just wasn't enough. Upon discovering his mothers box of oils and brushes in the attic, a spark of interest and determination was kindled. The fan of encouragement from family and friends, and the flame of accomplishment moved him in the direction of art as a career. He says his first landscape, at age twelve, "was a tribute to green ... and not much else", but he continued to pursue those scenes with charcoal and pencils as his tools. At fifteen he was given a starter set of acrylics, a wildlife magazine subscription for subject matter, and the rest is, as they say, history. He has painted nearly every day of his life since.

     Combined with this love of beauty, is a God given talent, and a rigorous schedule of painting. These things have enabled him to succeed as an artist, and as one able to give something for others to enjoy. At the age of 20 he spent a year of Christian mission work with relatives in South Africa where he learned that people would actually pay for his artwork. He went back home with the determination to become a professional artist. His work as been widely enjoyed and respected. Whether sitting in a booth at an arts and crafts fair (in his early years) or high atop a city building at a one-man show, the public has loved what he does. He has won many awards including the coveted "popular award" twice at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Show (1987-88), as well as gold and silver awards for both acrylic and oil paintings. He also received the gold award for a painting entered in the Old West Museum show in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1991.

     Mark is driven by his faith and a passion for life. Never wanting to just "get by", he strives for excellence in everything he does. His family and his personal relationship with God are the most important things to him. And he sees his talent as something bestowed upon him. He is determined to get the most out of what was given to him by faithfully pursuing and pushing his talent to the limit ... forever expanding the boundaries of his abilities.

     In a world of turbulence and unrest, Mark Keathley gently reminds us of the beauty and peace available in this life. He desires to tell stories to his viewers of the delightfulness of a moment, the importance of life itself, the beauty of things and people that normally go unnoticed.

John Stobart is a celebrator of life. That the body of his more important work is now to be available to discriminating collectors in superb, limited edition prints is cause for celebration indeed. Born in England, where he began at an early age to work out his philosophy of the work done by men and ships in deep and shallow waters, he went on to study at the Royal Academy of Art. A devoted student of history and things maritime, his own perceptions of water, cloud, sun and wind shone through his work from the beginning. A body of Stobart aficionados began to come into being.

In the years of growing fame and recognition since he came to America, he has become well known by our leading maritime museums and scholars of maritime history. His work is grounded in thorough research, and an intimate understanding of the ships, the harbor scenes, and the way of life of the seafaring people he paints. A discussion with John is a lively thing! Everyone picks up pencils and starts sketching on napkins to settle a nice point of ship design or fitting, or in what year a lighthouse was built on a headland or a roof on a building was changed. This is as close to our living heritage at sea as we shall come.

Celebration? John Stobart’s work is itself a celebration. A feast for the eyes and sprit in which all who care for the sea heritage of ships and men, and the seas they sailed, the skies they worked under, may now join!

G. Harvey grew up in the rugged hills north of San Antonio, Texas from where herds of longhorn cattle were once driven up dusty trails to the Kansas railheads. His grandfather was a trail boss at 18 and helped create an American legend. So the American West is not only the artist's inspiration but his birthright.

Harvey's early interest in sketching and drawing slowly evolved into a passion for painting in oils. After graduating cum laude from North Texas State University, Harvey took a position with the University of Texas in Austin. He soon realized that weekends and nights at the easel did not satisfy his love of painting. He abandoned the security of a full-time job in 1963 and threw his total energy into a fine art career.

Two years as a "struggling artist" followed, but 1965 brought acclaim for the artist's first prestigious show. The Grand National Exhibition in New York, and the American Artists' Professional League presented him with their New Master's Award. President Lyndon Johnson discovered his fellow Texan's talent, became a Harvey collector and introduced John Connally to the artist's work. Connally was enthusiastic about Harvey's art and on one occasion, he presented a G. Harvey original to each of the governors of Mexico's four northern states.

Harvey paints the spirit of America from its western hills and prairies to the commerce of its great cities. 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 Smithsonian Institution honored Harvey by selecting him for a one-man show. Four Harvey Civil War paintings were unveiled for Washington dignitaries in the rotunda of the National Archives alongside the historic documents of our nation. He has been the recipient of innumerable awards and the subject of three books. Through his art, our history lives.

Today, G. Harvey lives in Fredericksburg, Texas, with his wife Pat in a 150-year old stone home built by German settlers. His studio and residence are nestled within the historic district of Fredericksburg.

With the eruption of Spindletop on January 10, 1901, the face of Texas was forever changed. Land where cattle once roamed freely gave way to wildcatters and oil derricks. This new industry dramatically changed the lives of Texas cowhands. Some stayed on and enjoyed the new era of Black Gold. Others chose to move away rather than submit to this different kind of lease.

A Different Kind of Lease Limited Edition Prints 26" x 23-1/2" 2950 Signed and Numbered $225 US, $350 CAN, 250 Artist Proofs $250 US, $365 CAN.

Follow these hyperlinks to view more prints:

Bryan Moon
Nancy Glazier
L. Gordon

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1928 ESE Loop 323
Tyler, Texas  75701
Phone:  903-597-2645
Fax:  903-597-3105
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