Texas Watercolors in the McNay Collection
January 26 – May 29, 2011

Museum founder Marion Koogler McNay was an avid and prolific watercolorist. Not surprisingly watercolors were a major component of her bequest. Her collection of watercolors is a highlight of the McNay’s collection of American modernism. This exhibition demonstrates the growth of the watercolor collection since her founding bequest and focuses on the richness of the McNay’s Texas watercolors.

Typical of many Texas watercolors created in the second half of the 20th century are the works of artists who belonged to San Antonio’s Watercolor Gang, including Ivan McDougal, Clay McGaughy, and E. Gordon West. Their works, marked by a nearly photographic realism, attention to detail, and specificity of location, are among the most accomplished in the exhibition.

The McNay recently acquired two McDougal watercolors, Irish Sea Stories and Doubtful Canyon, from the artist’s estate. This exhibition is the first opportunity for the public to se these technically masterful works, which the artist considered his best.

This exhibition was organized by the McNay Art Museum. Funding is generously provided by the Elizabeth Huth Coates Exhibition Endowment, and the Arthur and Jane Stieren Fund for Exhibitions.

image: Ivan McDougal, Irish Sea Stories (detail). Watercolor on paper. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Gift of Gloria McDougal.