The Artwork of Texas Artist Don Breeden
Most people in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas know me for my images of wildlife and sporting scenes of South Texas. I have spent years in the outdoors, as a sportsman and as an observer of the wildlife and nature. Over those many years I have studied the habits and characteristics of the animals and birds as well as the flowers, trees, shrubs and cacti so prevalent in this area.
I’ve also been studying the history of this great State. Texans are a proud people and I am glad to count myself as a true born and raised Texan. So, my studies of the Flags of Texas have been a wonderful journey into our history. I have completed original watercolors of the Flags of The Republic of Texas and have over 32 images completed to date, as well as several posters of the Flags of the Republic of Texas and others which have flown over Texas. A History lesson in its own.
As with any project I undertake, and I have been fortunate to have many in my repertoire, research plays a big part. I firmly believe you cannot draw, paint or illustrate any subject unless you study that subject and have a good account of what it should look like.
When I created a poster of the Wild Flowers of the Brownsville area, I spent two years doing research, before I even illustrated my first one. Many hours were spent along the roadsides and fields taking reference photographs along with studying the characteristics of what the differences are between the wild flowers besides just the color of their petals. The result: a collection of over 30 different illustrations of wild flower species which are detailed enough to use them as a field guide.
I have produced illustrated guides to the Birds of South Texas, the Fishes of The Gulf of Mexico, Wild Flowers of South Texas, The Trees of The Rio Grande Valley, and a complete series of the flora, fauan and fishes of the resacas in the Brownsville area. Each of these took over a year of research before I could felt comfortable illustrating a particular bird or fish or wildflower. Research; it’s invaluable!
And, of course I have designed, illustrated and produced over 20 different posters for the annual Charro Days Fiesta in Brownsville; each one with a new illustration to represent the spirit of Charro Days.
I started out illustrating in pen and ink and adding a water color wash. I have since moved to pure water color as I find it more satisfying to my style. And, I have put a majority of my creations into print. To date I have over 750 limited edition prints available. From the wildlife of South Texas, to sporting art, to historical sites and scenes Valley wide to the many fish species in our Gulf along with the Flags of the Republic of Texas, I have had fun illustrating, researching, and painting.