An Illustrated Map

Finding the perfect opening sentence is sometimes a challenge but this commission was a joy start to finish. It depicts a Texas map, noting that my client, a longtime Houston resident, was moving to her new home in New Braunfels. She picked scenes and places that will mark how special her new home is to her and her family. What made it particularly personal for me was the fact that I know all these places having visited them with her. So lets start with the sketch. I had a list of what to include and this is like a moving jig saw puzzle giving every piece its best place to shine.

Once approved, I prepped my canvas. The canvas is a 36” square with a 2” depth. I will be finishing the edges as well, so there will be no need to frame. After painting it a soft white, I added a quick glaze to give the background a parchment feel. 

Ready for the fun stuff. First, here’s the Gruene Tower. 

Anyone familiar with the area automatically knows the tower marks the location of the Gruene Dance Hall. Built in 1878, it is Texas’ oldest continually operating and most famous dance hall. Next, we move to a field of blue bonnets, the truest sign that spring is here.  

Below the blue bonnets, are some familiar prickly pear cacti with their delicate blossoms in bloom. 

The next scene shifts to a banner marking the location of New Braunfels with the trees in the background flanking either side of the Guadalupe River.

As the river winds, we see some cattle cooling themselves in the shallows.

The artwork is completed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico with an elegant Compass Rose.

Here’s a look at the finished artwork of the map. 

Once completed, I added a solid blue border to complete the trompe l’oeil effect of the parchment map.

Nowhere’s the fun part. I buried the initials of my client’s four grandchildren in this map. One clue only, they are in the area of the river. I’d love to know if you can find them.

This kind of illustrated map is what makes a commission so absolutely personal. Sure, it may have some obvious Texas attractions, but the more you look, and the more you know about the viewer, you realize it is so much more. It’s a family heirloom.

Simple sales pitch here (only because I absolutely love painting this kind of work). What a wonderful gift to commemorate a special anniversary, birthday or milestone.