the Dallas, Texas, skyline at night. Photo by Max Fray.

One of the most vibrant, unique cities in Texas is undoubtedly Austin. With an incredible arts and music scene, Austin is known for its creativity. The city is home to the famous Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin—as well as Big Medium, an Austin-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting visual arts and artists in Texas, curating rich experiences like the Austin Studio Tour and Texas Biennial.

A view of the River Walk Public Art Garden in San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Carl Hunley Jr.

The Dallas Arts District in Dallas is a creative and cultural hotspot where collectors can explore the Dallas Museum of Art,  the Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Contemporary and so much more.

Downtown Austin, Texas, at dusk. Photo by Megan Bucknall.

The state of Texas has also inspired many artists of the 19th and 20th centuries like Julian Onderdonk, José Arpa and Robert William Wood—artists whose work continues to influence the legacy of Texas art. Read on to learn more about modern-day artists and galleries based in the Lone Star State.

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas.

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Anna Lisa Leal, Chisos Basin Cholla, pastel, 22 x 32"

Anna Lisa Leal grew up in the border town of Laredo, Texas, and was introduced to pastels in 2013. While the artist did not initially think she would like the medium, she fell in love with pastels and primarily works with them to this day. She is most inspired by the xeric botanical specimens found in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts and Southwestern United States. By coincidence, the dry medium of pastel aligns with the dry locations of her chosen subjects. When asked to name her favorite between cactus, succulents, aloe and agave, she says, “My heart is invariably with the agave. I am moved by the stateliness of the agave and the seemingly endless variations in size, color and shape. I marvel at the undulation of the agave leaves and leaves imprinted by the adjacent unfurled leaf—like footsteps in sand.”

Anna Lisa Leal, Golden Age, pastel, 24 x 24"

Leal has lived in and around Austin, Texas, for over 30 years. Currently, her studio is at her home in the Hill Country northwest of Austin near the Balcones Canyonlands Reserve. Collectors can see Leal’s work at the Wimberley Arts Fest from April 27 to 28. She has an upcoming solo exhibit opening May 17 in Marfa, Texas, at the Greasewood Gallery located in the historic Paisano Hotel. She is represented by Art Gallery Prudencia in San Antonio, Texas, and will have a solo exhibit there in the fall. The artist also accepts commissions.

Art Gallery Prudencia in San Antonio, Texas.

Art Gallery Prudencia has a wide range of artworks in various media. Visitors will find distinctive and imaginative artwork that includes both contemporary and traditional creations.   Focusing on collecting works by emerging, mid-career and established artists, the gallery has a continuously growing list of artists, most of whom are from Texas.

Art Gallery Prudencia, Tangled, oil on canvas, 24 x 20", by Andrea Almond.

Featured at the gallery are works by artists Andrea Almond, Joanna Burch, Lon Brauer, Cliff Cavin, Kim Collins, Shea Daniel-Youngblood, Vikki Fields, Bob Guelich, Margie Hildreth, Mary James, Billy L. Keen, Anna Lisa Leal, Tim McMeans, Barbara Rallo, Susan Riley, Pam Slocum, Ric Slocum, Steven G. Smith, Richard Sneary, Sheila Swanson, Irena Taylor and Soon Y. Warren.

Art Gallery Prudencia, Tito’s Mexican Restaurant, oil on panel, 12 x 16", by Shea Daniel-Youngblood.

Art Gallery Prudencia also hosts at least a half dozen shows each year featuring a variety of different artists. New, contemporary works by Almond will be featured in an upcoming one-woman show in April.

The exterior of Ao5 Gallery in Austin, Texas.

Ao5 Gallery is one of Texas’ largest contemporary art galleries and has been committed to bringing an eclectic selection of accessible fine art to Austin for more than 25 years. This museum-like space boasts over 8,000 square feet of artwork to explore including work by more than 100 contemporary artists, original and vintage posters from around the world, as well as a premier custom framing department.

A display of works by Nick Veasey.

Upcoming shows for 2024 include Heavy Metal with Eric Von Seibert opening April 6, 2024; a flower series from Adam Scott Rote from May 10 to 11; a masters show featuring Alexander Calder and Salvador Dalí from July to September; and Forensic Beauty Touring Exhibition with Nick Veasey from August to September. Visit Ao5 Gallery’s website for updated information on shows and new artists. —