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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 59 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 four 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. |
