How did you get start collecting art?
I have always had a love for art, as far back as I can remember. Art classes during my school years were always my favorite. I studied art and art history in college. But, ended up getting a degree in education, and teaching art for a short period of time. In my early 20's I walked into an estate sale in Godley, Texas. A man had traveled the world buying art, and his farm house walls were covered in art. I bought some of my first pieces at this sale, including two original, signed Miro lithographs. I became hooked treasure hunting for art.
What was your first purchase?
A Salvador Dali etching I found at a Goodwill in 1986.
What type of art do you lean towards collecting?
I love and appreciate all types of art. However, I am really into Texas artists, particularly Texas female artists, and artists that were a part of the "Fort Worth Circle". I am also very into illustration art.
Which are some of your favorite pieces from the collection?
I have so many favorites! I guess some of my favorites are two large Philipe Noyer mid century oil paintings, dated 1957. I purchased them from the estate of the original owners, who traveled to Paris in 1958, purchased them at a gallery there, and had them shipped to their home in Oklahoma. Also, I love my J.C. Leyendecker study of one of his Saturday Evening Post covers. One recent purchase I love is John Hyland's portrait of Amanda Gorman, "Ray Of Light".
What advice do you have for anyone who would like to start an art collection?
Think of collecting art as in investment. Buy original pieces, even if you can only afford the smaller pieces by certain artists. Buy pieces you love, that speak to you.
Which is your latest acquisition?
John Hyland's "Till We're Together II", a beautiful portrait of Marilyn Monroe.
Who are some of the artists you wish to add to your collection?
Tim Okamura! I have been following him since I saw the documentary, Heavyweight Paint, a few years ago, at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. I first saw some of his pieces at Fort Works Arts Gallery, following the documentary. I love his work. I also love O’Neil Scott’s work! His portrait of Tim Okamura is awesome! I love it when artists paint other artists! Another artist I discovered watching the documentary, "Heavyweight Paint" was Jerome Lagarrigue.
Do you have any regrets?
I have three regrets!
One was selling my two Miro Lithographs a year or two after I bought them. I was young, and needed money. I never had them appraised, and sold them to a lady for $500.00. Thirty years later I walked into a shop in Carrizozo, New Mexico. Got into a conversation with the owner of the shop, who said she was from Fort Worth. It turns out she was the lady I sold my Miros to, in the 80's! She told me they appraised, back then, for $6000.00. And, that she had given them to her son. My second regret was being outbid on one of Tim Okamura's paintings in an online auction. The third regret was being outbid on a Clara McDonald Williamson at an estate auction, in Synder , Texas.