Eddie Arning

Never knew him in person, but have been fans of his work for a long time. Mr. Arning is one of the most well known of Texas self taught artists.

Eddie Arning served in world war I and following the war he suffered some mental problems and was admitted to the Austin State Hospital.

While there he met Helen Mayfield. (another artist we admire and show her work) I guess the volunteers, such as Helen, gave the patients coloring books to fill their time.

Helen noticed Eddie was coloring outside the lines and doing his own thing. So she gave him blank paper and encouraged him to do his own drawings.

He made drawings primarily based on images from magazine ads or pictures.

We have been lucky to have some great Arning pieces through here.

This is one we currenty have available from Gaye Hall's collection. She was one of Texas' first promoters, collector, and dealer of Texas folk art.
(click on the image to enlarge)