Description

Permian Basin Wetlands was inspired by the I-20 Wildlife Preserve in Midland, Texas, a remarkable urban playa that serves as a unique ecological landmark within the city. Following a site visit to the preserve, I developed a series of concepts exploring its landscapes and selected a view overlooking the preserve's entrance as the foundation for this commission.

The project began with a small-scale oil painting, "Midland Urban Playa Commission Model" (14 x 11 inches, oil on canvas), created as a commission study. This initial work was presented to the client as part of a broader proposal and was ultimately selected to be expanded into a large-scale painting measuring 80 x 72 inches.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this commission was translating a beloved local landmark into a substantial, site-specific artwork. The completed commission was hand-delivered to Fafa Gallery in Midland, Texas. It was an honor to contribute to a project that celebrates the character of the region while elevating a cherished local landscape through fine art.