F. L. "Doc" Spellmon (Texas, 1925-2008), abstract composition with pelican, mixed media on panel

sight: 8.5 x 10.5 in., frame: 10.5 x 12.5 in.

Provenance: Property from the collection of a San Antonio, Texas couple relocating to Santa Fe, New Mexico

One of San Antonio's most prolific and renowned artists, F.L. "Doc" Spellmon's career spanned decades, including 20 years as an Air Force writer and illustrator between 1956 and 1976. His subsequent "retirement" was one of the artist's most productive periods--creating an untold number of works, whose hallmarks are generous applications of layered paint and masterful texturing of color. The themes of his paintings speak to an array of themes including Biblical depictions, Slavery scenes, memories of his upbringing in East Texas, scenes of African village life and portraits of historical notables. Inspired by his rural upbringing, religious surroundings, and African American heritage, Spellmon found national success through his hundreds of paintings and mixed media pieces. His art focuses on the vitality in everyday life, the joys of family and community, the universal themes found in religious images, and the importance of cultural heritage in today's world. In his way, Spellmon was the epitome of the "folk artist"...his work is of the people and for the people.