Buffalo Crossing the Missouri Panels
Interior view Exterior view
Large color study for "Buffalo Crossing the Missouri"
Description: An integrated set of panels depicting a buffalo herd crossing the Missouri River. This design is based upon a historic painting by Karl Bodmer, who accompanied Maximilian, Prince of Wied, on an expedition up the Missouri in 1833-34. A black and white print of the painting may be viewed in Lewis Henry Morgan's book, "The Indian Journals: 1859-62," edited by Leslie A. White and published by the University of Michigan Press; copyright 1959. My client was looking to evoke the look of the Lewis and Clarke expedition through the unexplored mid-section of the North American continent. I had just returned from attending a show on large-print historic American picture books at the Amon Carter Museum in Ft. Worth, and this image captivated both myself and my client. I did a large color study to practice my painting and enameling techniques prior to working on the actual commission. The color study is for sale. Please contact me if interested in purchasing.
Dates: Constructed 2005, installed January 2006
Location: private residence, Westlake, TX; in the entrance foyer 2nd story windows opposite the grand staircase. The windows look out onto the 2nd story patio overlooking the water fountain and pool. The windows are next to the Map Room in the residence.
Construction: Copper foil technique with painted and enameled glass for details on the buffalo. Youghiogheny, Uroborus, Kokomo, Spectrum, Armstrong glass used. Black patina. Morton Strong-Line steel reinforcing added throughout. Each panel is framed in 1/4" zinc, black patina 'ed. The color study panel is framed in 2" American Oak with a dark stain, and has eye screws for hanging.
Installation: Installed using 3 stories of scaffolding. Set screws into existing wooden frames, and each panel fits snuggly into an existing window opening. Breathing room was left at the top left and bottom right corners to prevent condensation, and to accommodate expansion and contraction due to weather.