American Goldeneyes - Available Fall 2004.

They would deny it, of course, but twin brothers Stuart and Scott Gentling have often been praised as Renaissance men by fellow artists, art critics, museum professionals and those patrons lucky enough to own their paintings. Born on September 31, 1942 in Rochester, Minnesota they lived in Forth Worth since the age of five except for time spent out of state at Tulane University and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Although their drybrush watercolors of landscapes, still lifes and portraits claim most of their time and attention these days, the Gentlings do try to find the opportunity for a bird painting now and then. The depiction of birds has been a deep love since they first began creating art.

In 1999, during the 100th anniversary of the Texas Audubon Society, the society honored the Gentlings by designating them as their Centennial Artist. This was done in part in recognition of the 1986 publication of their massive elephant folio "Of Birds and Texas" hailed by critics as the most magnificent book in Texas history. In 2001 the University of Texas Press published a popular trade edition of the Gentling book by the same title, making their work accessible to the general public. Two more books by the UT press are in the works: A biographical survey of their art to be titled "From Time to Time" and a book on the Aztecs, much awaited by scholars, titled "The One Reed Year."

The Gentlings are amused when the press calls them "court painters to the rich and famous", but their list of patrons is indeed impressive. In fact Scott was chosen by President and Mrs. Bush to paint Governor Bush for the dome of the Texas capital. It was unveiled by the President and First Lady on national television. Two large Gentling landscapes of the their Crawford, Texas ranch now hang in the private quarters of the White House.

We are honored to have the Gentlings contibute their special vision of American Goldeneyes for the 2004 Texas Duck Stamp. Stuart did the drawing, and Scott did the painting. Avid hunters as well as artists, the Gentlings created the Goldeneyes not only to help the state's waterfowl programs but to honor their dear friend Katherine Armstrong who recently retired as chairwoman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Exclusivley at Collectors Covey - Wildlife & Sporting Art