PERSERVERANCE

Artist Inspiration:

A lone rancher on horseback assess damage as he approaches the vastness of brown burnt rangeland from an apocalyptic wildfire. Devastation, despair, and grief arises just like so many others. This time it was much worse than the last, and he recalls growing up his father’s words’ ”it doesn’t get any easier”.

Weeks of wildfires killed cattle by the thousands on his and other ranches. A few white-faced Herford cattle huddled under a scorched Cedar Elm tree-all that’s left.

Through his faith in God he recalls the scripture Leviticus 26:4."And I will give you your rain...", And in his next breath, rain descends in this western Texas Panhandle rangeland, giving new life yet to come. A sign from the heavens to persevere and to rebuild their lives once again, just like his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather did before him.

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My oil painting PERSERVERANCE donated (sold at auction) to the RANGELAND FIRE RELIEF BENEFIT CONCERT by famous songwriters/singers Michael Martin Murphey and Lyle Lovett at the STARLIGHT RANCH in AMARILLO TEXAS, APRIL 21, 2024.

SOLD. By the generous purchase of Randall County Judge Christy Dyer, my painting gifted to the citizens of Canadian Texas in Hemphill County (to reside in the County Courthouse); one of the four Texas counties declared a disaster area by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. In perpetual memory of those farmers, ranchers, and all that was lost to this apacolypic wildfire-the worst fire in Texas history.

My oil painting PERSERVERANCE dedication ceremony was held October 15, 2024 at the Hemphill County Texas Courthouse-Judge Lisa Johnson presiding, with Randall County Texas Judge Christy Dyer. Permanent home.

Richard A. Sukup, artist