Art—writing, painting, sculpture, music—has always been a part of Irish life. Harry Arthur McArdle of Belfast came to Texas after he had established himself as a producing artist, following a stint as a draftsman for the Confederate Navy and serving as topographical map-maker for General Robert E. Lee. Settling at Independence, Texas, with his wife, Jennie Smith of Virginia, he taught art and developed an interest in Texas history. He soon secured commissions to paint notable Texans and Texas events. Well known are his portraits of Sam Houston and Jefferson Davis. His battle scenes, such as Dawn at the Alamo and The Battle of San Jacinto, both of monumental size, hang in the state capitol in Austin. They are not historically accurate but have created heroic myth.

Harry McArdle

Of Irish descent but born in Illinois, Charles Franklin Reaugh (the name Castlereaugh was shortened by the family), became Texan through a parental move to Kaufman County. Reaugh (pronounced “Ray” in Texas) sketched cattle, particularly longhorns, as a child, then began art training in St. Louis. He studied in Paris and Holland.

Returning to Texas, Reaugh set up a studio at his parents' house in Dallas, spent as much time as he could in field sketching, and taught. His students were expected to camp out with him, in rain or heat, with the rattlesnakes in West Texas.

Favoring pastels because they could be used with some ease in the field, he captured the cattle, sunsets, plains, and mountains of the state. Also an inventor and photographer, Reaugh patented a rotary industrial pump design and supported the Dallas Art Association. But most of his talent was invested in art. He invented new pastels, drawing paper and boards, a portable easel, and supply boxes—necessities for the artist who works outside a studio.

Reaugh remained devoted to field painting. “It is the beauty of the great Southwest as God has made it that I love to paint,” he said. His most common advice was simple: “No man can serve two masters, and do justice to either.”

He copyrighted a classification chart for North American animals and is called “Dean of Texas Artists”—and “Longhorn Leonardo.”