At Home on the Great Plains of Texas: The Paintings of Laura Lewis

Laura Lewis is a High Plains realist who creates strong compositions out of the extreme horizontals of her chosen artistic geography. Her paintings celebrate the land and the people that capture the essence of a place that has formed her vision and understanding of what it means to be at home. At Home on the Great Plains of Texas offers images of paintings that Lewis intends as a glass of cool water for anyone thirsting for the beauty to be found here. Collectors, scholars, and historians have long known about the centrality of place in Texas art, and Lewis takes her place among those who teach us the art of transformative perception.

Format: Hardback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: Texas A & M University Press

Laura Lewis, a High Plains realist, finds humor in her art as she admits that painting mountains often obstructs her view. However, she embraces this challenge by creating compelling compositions from the vast horizontals that dominate her chosen artistic geography. As evidenced in the works featured in this book, Lewis excels in capturing the breathtaking views she discovers during her rambles across the expansive Great Plains of Texas. Her paintings serve as a celebration of the land and the people that resonate with her vision and understanding of what it means to feel at home.

The book begins with a foreword by renowned columnist and Texas observer Joe Holley, who provides an insightful introduction to Lewis's artwork. The paintings are accompanied by vignettes written by Christina Mulkey, a writer whom Lewis invited to join her on many of her image safaris. Collectors, scholars, and historians have long recognized the significance of place in Texas art, and Laura Lynn Lewis joins the ranks of artists who teach us the art of transformative perception. Through her depictions of the arid, expansive vistas of her home country, Lewis helps us gain a deeper appreciation for our own landscapes of belonging.

In her own words, Lewis describes her artistic process as "a journey of discovery and exploration." She seeks to capture the essence of a place through her paintings, emphasizing the subtle details and unique characteristics that make each location special. Lewis's paintings are characterized by their vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes, which bring the landscapes to life and evoke a sense of awe and wonder.

One of the key themes in Lewis's work is the connection between the land and the people who inhabit it. She believes that the land has a profound impact on the people who live there, shaping their culture, values, and way of life. Lewis's paintings often depict the hardworking farmers, ranchers, and indigenous communities who have lived on the Great Plains for generations. She pays tribute to their resilience, determination, and deep connection to the land.

Another theme in Lewis's work is the passage of time and the changing landscape. She observes the effects of climate change, urbanization, and industrialization on the Great Plains and reflects on the impact these changes have on the people and the land. Lewis's paintings serve as a visual record of the region's history and evolution, capturing the beauty and complexity of a place that is constantly in motion.

At Home on the Great Plains of Texas is a testament to Laura Lynn Lewis's talent and dedication as an artist. Through her paintings, she invites us to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of the Great Plains and to appreciate the beauty and complexity of a place that has shaped her vision and understanding of what it means to be at home.

Weight: 886g
Dimension: 240 x 266 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781623498900