Don L. Parks

 

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Biography of Don L. Parks

A watercolorist for over 12 years, Don L. Parks has concentrated on oils since 1985.  He believes that he should have personally experienced what he paints; thus, many of his subjects exist in rural America.  He grew up in Seymour, Texas, as did his wife Minda, a small north-central Texas town not widely known for having a strong history in the arts.  However, his family was farmers, which allowed prolonged observations of the southwest landscape. “Tractor time was a good opportunity to study nature,” explained Parks.

“I actually discovered art one night while studying in the Texas Tech library.   Evidently a moment of boredom with agricultural economics occurred and I started looking at the books surrounding me.  I discovered some art books and with considerable excitement, my life was changed.  The next day I owned some oil paints and was painting in my dorm room that week-end.”   

After college and military service, Don worked as a farm and ranch management specialist for Texas A&M University - another opportunity to observe and appreciate rural life in America.  He then managed trust property in the banking industry for 28 years.  He believes these experiences had a major impact on his painting.  The “feel” of the subject matter is there.

Don paints in a slightly impressionist style, using a simple execution done frequently on location.  He believes painting outside is where an artist learns to see color in the landscape.  For almost 25 years, he has painted smaller paintings in “plein air” and has done hundreds of small field studies on location ranging from Nantucket Island off the east coast to Catalina Island on the west coast.  These studies are used as a “reference library” for proper color in large paintings done in the studio.  His observations and technique produce art that allows others to enjoy glimpses of our world.

Some artists under whom Don has studied include James Boren, Ted Goeschner, William Earle, Ovanes Berberian, Clyde Aspevig, Matt Smith and Scott Christensen.  Parks is appreciative of these artists’ efforts to pass their talents to less experienced artists.  He also feels that a person can learn much about how to paint by observing good original art; thus he studies art in museums as time and museum shows allow.  “One exciting challenge of painting is in realizing that you never know how to paint as well as you desire; there are always improved techniques to learn”. 

Don is also appreciative of how Minda, his wife of 40 plus years, has supported his art endeavors.  He states, “ Minda has taken care of the yard and managed our home, in addition to her teaching career, while I tried to learn how to paint.”  Don and Minda have two grown children, Charla and Brint, and two grandchildren.

Don paints canvases up to 48 inches high by 96 inches wide.  Prices are dependent upon canvas size, subject matter detail, painting time required and travel time (if applicable).  Typically the price for a non-commission painting (a painting not painted to meet the client’s specific requests/needs) would be between $300 for a 5x7 to $12,500 for a large painting.  Commissions typically cost more depending on the additional time and effort required.  Don’s paintings have won numerous regional awards and are includes in personal, corporate and public institution collections.

“I am very blessed that I have the opportunity to enjoy God’s creation through painting.  I hope that I may share some of that beauty through my painting.  Life for this artist is a ‘blast’”.   D.L.P. 

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Don L. Parks, Artist               
4310 Tumbleweed Trail              

Midland, TX 79707
               
Studio: 432-694-5277              
Cell:  432-661-6405
               
don@donparksfineart.com