Charles Franklin Reaugh Paintings

Charles Franklin Reaugh, known to many as Frank Reaugh (pronounced 'ray'), is a distinguished artist from the American Southwest, whose work primarily captures the vastness and beauty of the Texas plains. He was born on December 29, 1860, near Jacksonville, Illinois, but his family moved to Texas in 1876, settling near Terrell. The landscapes of Texas and the life of the cowboy became central themes in Reaugh's artistic career.

Reaugh developed an early interest in art and was largely self-taught, honing his skills through direct observation of nature and meticulous sketching. He later took advantage of a few formal training opportunities, including studying at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts and in Europe, where he was exposed to the work of the French Barbizon School and the Impressionists. These influences are evident in his use of color and light, and in his impressionistic style that he applied to the depiction of the American West.

Reaugh was also an inventor, teacher, and naturalist. He invented the 'Reaughpalette', a device that allowed him to handle multiple wet panels while painting en plein air (outdoors). He was a beloved teacher who nurtured the next generation of Texas artists through his 'Sketch Classes', which were field trips into the countryside for direct observation and painting. He also established a studio and art school in Dallas, which became a hub for regional artists.

Throughout his career, Reaugh remained dedicated to his vision of the Texas landscape, producing thousands of pastel sketches and paintings. His work captures the vastness of the Texas plains, the drama of the skies, and the life of the longhorn cattle and cowboys that inhabited the land. He was a true Texas artist, and his work is a testament to the unique beauty of the Southwest.

Reaugh lived through the transition of Texas from a frontier state to a modern society, and his work often reflects a nostalgic and romantic view of the past. Despite his significance during his lifetime, Reaugh's work was somewhat forgotten after his death in 1945. However, interest in his work has been revived, and today he is recognized as one of the forefathers of Texas art, with his work displayed in museums and collections throughout Texas and beyond.

Reaugh passed away on May 6, 1945, in Dallas, Texas. His legacy lives on through his art and the many students he inspired. The Frank Reaugh Art Club, established by his students in 1933, continued to meet for many years after his death to honor his contributions to the Texas art community.