Tom Lea, who died in 2001, was a realist who painted things as 
they were but just happened to see more of what they were than 
most of us do. As a muralist, painter, book illustrator, World War 
II artist-correspondent, historian, novelist, and humanist, Lea created
a corpus of art that has captivated those who know it. This memorial 
volume presents the full range of his vigorous work. Old admirers of
Lea’s talents will delight in this presentation, and a whole new 
generation will be awed by the unique contribution he has made.
  
    A Southwesterner from multicultural El Paso, he lent new vision 
to the misunderstood lands often thought of as barren wastes. But it 
is not just the Southwest that Lea knew. He also brought marvelous 
detail to his portrayal of the Mexican bullfighter, the Australian 
ranches and Texas cattle of the King empire, and the Indians, 
pioneers, and ranch hands of his own corner of the world. On 
assignment in China, he developed a love for that land that gave him
his favorite and, in later years, most characteristic medium: Chinese
ink applied with a fine brush.

    In China, too, he came to know the ideograms whose symbols 
became for him, in William Weber Johnson’s words, a "sort of 
personal artistic trinity": the earth, the sky, and man between. 
These elements—interpreted through a stunning talent—inspired 
the art of the incomparable Tom Lea.

_________________________________________________________

KATHLEEN G. HJERTER, a published art historian, served as 
curator of the art collection of the Harry Ransom Humanities 
Research Center, University of Texas at Austin. The late 
WILLIAM WEBER JOHNSON was professor emeritus of 
journalism at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a 
former bureau chief for Time-Life. BECKY DUVAL REESE is 
the director of the El Paso Museum of Art.


Number Thirteen: Joe and Betty Moore Texas Art Series


What people are saying about this book

"Sarah and I live on the east side of our mountain. It is the sunrise 
side, not the sunset side. It is the side to see the day that is
coming, not the day that is gone. The best day is the day coming."
—Tom Lea, as quoted by President George W. Bush upon
accepting the Republican nomination for president

". . . has the undeniable flavor of the Southwest, great variety, and 
superior style."—Arizona Highways