Painting the Macy Ranch — A Look Back at a Historic Texas Landscape

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Discovering the Macy Ranch

There are places in an artist’s life that leave a mark long after the paint dries, and for me, the Macy Ranch near Post, Texas is one of them. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, I had permission to paint on this remarkable stretch of land — part of the historic Slaughter ranching legacy dating back to 1901.

I still remember the feeling of driving out there for the first time, following a detailed county‑road atlas and a gut instinct that the land held paintable subject matter. My destination was nothing more than a small symbol on the map — a place where the Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos crossed a dusty gravel road. I didn’t know what I would find, only that the terrain in that part of West Texas had a way of opening up suddenly, revealing something unexpected.

Along the way, I met a man who happened to know the landowner. That chance encounter allowed me to later contact Bob Macy himself. I had no idea at the time, but that simple meeting would lead to a body of work that, in hindsight, has become a quiet legacy within my career — paintings seldom seen, but deeply meaningful to me.

A Landscape Shaped by Time

The Macy Ranch covers roughly 100,000 acres of rugged West Texas terrain: deep drop‑offs, scattered mesquite, and pockets of live water fed by the Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos. It’s a landscape shaped by time, cattle, weather, and the generations who worked it.

Bob Macy, a descendant of John B. Slaughter, expanded the ranch’s operations and built a respected Western art collection that included works from Cowboy Artists of America. He understood the land, and he understood artists. It was the kind of place where ranch work and art quietly intersected.

A Morning on the Dry Wash

Reference photo from the Macy Ranch paired with William Hagerman’s finished Western landscape painting, part of the Where Arrows Have Landed Legacy Series

Reference photo and finished painting from the Macy Ranch — part of William Hagerman’s Where Arrows Have Landed Legacy Series

One of the most memorable days out there was when fellow Midland, TX artist Charles N. Pruitt joined me. We spent the morning walking a dry wash, cameras in hand, scouting for subject matter. The wash was full of possibilities — bends, shadows, rock formations, and the kind of subtle details that make a landscape worth painting.

As we headed back toward our vehicle, Charles suddenly bent down and picked something out of the sand. It was an arrowhead — or possibly a small spear point — in perfect condition. I asked him how in the world he saw it. He told me that as a geologist, he’d spent a lifetime looking at the ground. That moment stayed with me. It felt like the land was offering up a piece of its own story.

How the Macy Ranch Shaped My Early Work

My trips to the Macy Ranch, and the inspiration I drew from them, influenced much of my early Western landscape work. Behind each painting was a story I haven’t fully told — quiet mornings, unexpected discoveries, and the sense that the land itself had a rhythm and history all its own. Those paintings weren’t just studies of terrain; they were conversations with a place that shaped me as an artist.

Part of the Where Arrows Have Landed Legacy Series

I’m sharing more of these memories, images, and reflections as part of my ongoing Where Arrows Have Landed Legacy Series — a long‑term project documenting the places and moments that shaped a portion of my art career. The Macy Ranch is one of the foundational chapters, and there’s more to come.

The Windmill (2014 Archive) – Painting Process Video, Stage Photos, and Comanche, Texas Commission

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About the 2014 Comanche, Texas Commission

A 2014 oil painting titled “The Windmill” by William Hagerman, featuring a windmill, oak tree, and abundant Texas wildflowers on a Comanche, Texas landscape.

The Windmill – 2014 Oil Painting with Texas Wildflowers

This painting was a 2014 commission on a client’s property in Comanche, Texas. My wife and I were driven around on their Mule — basically a glorified golf cart built for rough terrain — stopping at different spots so I could get out and take reference photos. The client mentioned they had never seen a single rattlesnake on the property, which sounded reassuring… until we drove over one section and I looked down to see a huge rattlesnake about twelve inches from my ankle, curling up fast. I’m not sure if the Mule ran over him, but he made a panicked run for the nearest brush. My client joked he could tie me off the back and drag me along as bait for any others. I declined.

Artistic Adjustments and Client Input

In the video below, you’ll see the development of the painting from start to finish with some still images, a couple of palette shots and other video segments. Also you will notice the large oak tree changes shape a few times. I took some artistic license early on, but the client wanted it to look more like their tree, so I reshaped it to match their request. That’s part of the commission process — the client plays an important role, especially when the painting depicts an actual place that means something to them. The final piece becomes a blend of artistic interpretation and personal accuracy.

Stage Photos and Painting Process

Here’s another related commissioned piece highlighting its progress from concept to finish.

Landscape Oil Painting Demo: Water Reflections

Learn more about the Aermotor Windmill, the classic design seen throughout rural Texas landscapes.

https://aermotorwindmill.com/

 

Start With the Art: How to Build a Room Color Palette From a Painting

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Most people decorate in the same order:
furniture → wall color → accents → and finally… the artwork.
But when the art is chosen last, it often ends up feeling like an afterthought — something that “almost” matches, but not quite. I’ve seen this happen countless times, and it’s one of the biggest reasons rooms feel disjointed or visually unsettled.
As both a painter and someone who’s spent years helping collectors place art in their homes, I’ve found a much simpler, more reliable approach:

Start With the Artwork You Love

Start with the artwork you love. Let everything else grow from it. When you begin with the art, you’re starting with the emotional center of the room — the piece that actually moves you. From there, creating a harmonious space becomes surprisingly easy.
Here’s the method I use in my own work and when assisting clients.

🎨 1. Photograph the artwork and adjust the colors
Take a clear photo of the painting and adjust it so the colors match the original as closely as possible. You don’t need fancy software — even basic tools work fine.
This gives you a digital version of the painting you can pull colors from.

Build a Color Palette From the Painting

🎯 2. Create a simple color palette from the painting
Using a color‑picker tool, select a handful of tones that stand out to you — not every color, just the ones that feel essential.
For the example below, I pulled colors directly from one of my Texas landscape paintings: warm golds, soft violets, bluebonnet blues, and a grounding green.
These colors become your guide for the rest of the room.

room color swatch pulled from an oil painting

Apply the Palette to Your Room

🛋️ 3. Apply the palette to the room — subtly and intentionally
You don’t have to paint the walls to match the art. In fact, keeping the walls neutral often works best. The drama happens in the accents:
• throw pillows
• rugs
• florals
• ceramics
• books
• blankets
• small décor pieces
These are the easiest, most flexible ways to echo the painting’s palette without overwhelming the space.

Here’s a room mockup using the palette from the painting above:
Room mockup showing a cohesive interior design using a color palette pulled from a Texas landscape painting

Notice how the colors appear in small, thoughtful touches — a pillow here, a vase there, a hint of blue in the rug. Nothing is matchy‑matchy, but everything feels connected.

🌿 Why this method works
• The artwork becomes the anchor of the room
• The palette feels natural because it’s pulled from something you already love
• The space feels intentional, not accidental
• You avoid the frustration of trying to “force” art to match pre‑existing décor
• It works with any style — traditional, modern, rustic, or eclectic
Most importantly, it creates a room that feels personal and emotionally cohesive.

✨ A simple place to begin
If you’re feeling stuck with a room, start with the art. Choose a piece that speaks to you, pull a few colors from it, and let those tones guide your choices. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the room comes together.
If you ever want help selecting a painting or exploring how one of my pieces might work in your space, I’m always happy to talk through ideas.

Meet Winslow Fitch: William Hagerman’s New Studio Assistant in My Fine Art Studio

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Who Is Winslow Fitch, My Studio Assistant?

This post introduces Winslow Fitch, my studio assistant. Every artist has that one voice in the back of their mind — the one that critiques, encourages, questions, and occasionally sighs dramatically when you choose the “wrong” shade of blue. I decided to give mine a name.
Winslow Fitch studio assistant portraitHis name is Winslow Fitch, and he has… thoughts.
Winslow arrived in my studio the way most characters do. Slowly at first, then all at once. One moment he was a passing joke in a conversation, and the next he had a full personality, a résumé, and a growing list of opinions about my color choices.
He’s the kind of gentleman who would straighten a crooked frame with a single raised eyebrow and then ask if I’m quite sure that’s the composition I intended.
And honestly? I adore him already.

Winslow’s First On‑Camera Appearance

Over the past few weeks, Winslow has become a sort of creative mascot — part muse, part critic, part theatrical narrator of my artistic chaos. He’s the patron of “constructive commentary,” the keeper of dry wit, and the unofficial supervisor of my brushstrokes.
Today, I’m finally introducing him to the world.
Below is Winslow’s first on‑camera appearance — a brief, dignified moment that captures him better than any paragraph could. A gentle nod, a subtle smile, and the unmistakable expression of someone quietly evaluating my entire artistic life.

Winslow will be popping up in future posts, newsletters, and even the occasional Facebook comment. Think of him as the studio’s resident narrator — the voice that says what we’re all thinking, but with better diction and a more distinguished posture.
If you’ve followed my work for a while, you know I love weaving story into everything I create. Winslow is the next chapter of that — a character who lets me share the behind‑the‑scenes moments with humor, honesty, and a little theatrical flair.

More Winslow Fitch studio assistant moments are coming soon. He insists on it.

For more future antics from Winslow Fitch, feel free to friend me on Facebook.

 

In Praise of Silence—and the Art That Endures

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Art That Endures: A Quiet Shift in My Studio

There was a time when music filled my studio—Classical pieces, even Willie Nelson, or the soft hum of a local radio station. It gave rhythm to the day. But for quite a while now, I’ve found myself painting in silence. Not out of melancholy, but out of attentiveness.
Silence, I’ve discovered, is not empty. It’s full of presence. In the quiet, I hear the brush against canvas, the scrape of a palette knife as I mix paint. The painting becomes less about performance and more about listening—to the work, to the moment, to something within.
This shift has deepened my relationship with the kind of art that endures in the home—quiet, reflective, and made to be lived with.

Why Silence Enhances Creativity—and Enduring Art

• Deeper Focus: No distractions, just the work and the moment.
• Emotional Clarity: Feelings rise naturally, guiding the brush.
• Sensory Awareness: The sounds of the studio become part of the rhythm.
• Personal Reflection: Silence invites a kind of honesty—what matters, what endures.

The Changing Relationship with Art That Endures

In past years, my blog was a place to share studio updates—new paintings, commissions, eBay auctions. Although, I’m not abandoning that, I am however, shifting gears a bit. Fewer people seem to be buying art and appreciating it like former generations. The walls of homes are often bare, or filled with transient décor: mass-produced prints, word art that shouts “Live, Laugh, Love” without ever whispering anything true.

Why Enduring Art Still Matters

• Art is Presence: It’s not just decoration—it’s a companion.
• Art is Story: Each piece holds memory, emotion, and meaning.
• Art is Reflection: It quietly reveals what we notice, what we care about.
To live without art on the walls feels, to me, like living without windows. Sterile. Closed off. Unmoved. And while experiences are beautiful—travel, dining, concerts—they pass. Art remains. It waits. It listens.

Rediscovering the Quiet Power of Art That EnduresHagerman Art Landscape painting Art That Endures: A Quiet Shift in My Studio

If your walls are bare, consider what kind of art might speak to you—not loudly, not trendily, but truly. Find something that feels like silence in the best way: full of meaning, full of breath.
And if you already live with art, thank you. You’re keeping something thoughtful alive.

Painting Out of Your Comfort Zone

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Benefits of Painting Out of Your Comfort Zone

Are there benefits of painting out of your comfort zone, or should you just stick to the same subject matter that your accustomed to painting? True, most artists find a niche or genre in which they become known for. Jumping around from one diverse subject to another, doesn’t build a very cohesive body of work. Still, something can be said about pushing your limits.artist looking at easel painting out of your comfort zone

This recently came about with a requested commission painting. My client, had six cats and the last had recently died. She wanted to remember them in a painting that contained a garden scene, a water feature and a few small details including a butterfly, a hummingbird and couple of other birds.  This was no easy task for someone who is primarily a landscape artist. However, in accepting the challenge I realized a few things of which I’ll share.

  1. New Experiences:  By painting out of your comfort zone, you open yourself up to new opportunities, experiences and of course challenges that can help you expand your painting knowledge. My experience with this commission tested my knowledge on perspective and design. Plus I had to do a lot of research on plants and flowers.
  2. Enhanced Creativity: When breaking away from the familiar, it forces your mind to become more adaptable and creative and keeps you engaged.
  3. Skill Acquisition: Challenging subject matter can help you acquire new skills and helps you grow as an artist. No matter how long you’ve been painting.
  4. Self-Discovery:  While you might feel anxious about trying something new, which is natural, the rewards of going beyond your comfort zone can help you realize you can often succeed at doing more than what you thought.

Pushing My Limits

Here’s the commissioned painting. Below the image, is the process that lead to the final painting which was definitely pushing my limits and painting out of my comfort zone.

William Byron Hagerman commissioned painting of cats in a backyard garden scene with a water fountain and flowers

My client sent photos of her cats and of flowers she had in her own garden. However, that doesn’t make a painting. So, the first task was spending time searching images of cats in different poses and using the supplied photos of the actual cats to help with their markings. Also, research was required to identify the different types of plants, flowers, then coming up with a backyard setting.

Once all the reference material was gathered it was now time to sketch out ideas.

Getting Out of My Comfort Zone

In this sketch you can see a few notations of the cats names and where they would be placed. Although the fountain was nice it was bad composition. It pretty much dominated the whole scene. Plus, it was not a good focal area as it was too far to the right.  So, it needed something that didn’t command as much attention. More research was on for other types of wall fountains. Ultimately one was found that was adjusted using other elements from others resources to make it “fit” into the painting. That change also required moving the cats around. Altering one thing can alter the whole. So, you can’t just arbitrarily move something without it effecting something else.

My client also provided details about some of her cats and that one of them liked drinking from fountains. So that had to be included. Another, was to be pawing at a butterfly.  However, when you have any activity going on in your painting, your eye will go to that. So those two cats had to be together and near the water fountain.

So here was the revised sketch.

This image shows a few notations regarding the layout’s design. The arrangement follows some implied lines to lead the eye. The red dots indicated the locations for the cats and possible locations for the other little critters.

Next was finalizing the drawing on a prepared cradled panel using thinned paint.

Even at this stage, there were adjustments made while painting. Some included perspective adjustments and deciding what would be the final plants and flowers to include and which would compliment the scene without being distracting.

Again, here is the final painting. It was done under my Byron signature, which allows me to do other types of work that fall out of range of what I normally paint. My favorite part was painting the elephant ear plant! 🙂

William Byron Hagerman commissioned painting of cats in a backyard garden scene with a water fountain and flowers

So, if your someone who paints, try painting out of your comfort zone. When you do, you might be pleasantly surprised. By the way, my client loved the painting.

 

Five Reasons to Buy Art Work

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Hello, art lovers!  Do you  think that art is just a luxury or a hobby? Well, it can be so much more than that. Art can enrich your life in many ways, and here are some of them:

Five Reasons to Buy Art Work

  1. bluebonnet landscape oil painting with stream and rocks by William HagermanArt stimulates your creativity and imagination. When you look at a painting or a sculpture, you can see the artist’s vision and interpretation of the world. You can also imagine your own stories and meanings behind the artwork, and explore different perspectives and emotions.
  2. Art enhances your mood and well-being. Art can make you happy, calm, inspired, or even challenged. It can also help you cope with stress, anxiety, or depression. Art can be a source of joy and comfort, or a catalyst for change and growth.
  3. Art reflects your personality and values. When you buy art work, you are expressing yourself and your preferences. You are also supporting the artists. You can choose art that resonates with you, and can be a way of showing what matters to you, what you believe in, and what you stand for.
  4. Art beautifies your space and environment. Art can transform any room into a more inviting and attractive place. It can also create a certain atmosphere or mood, depending on the style, color, and theme of the artwork. Art can make your home or office more cozy, elegant, or fun.
  5. Art is an investment and a legacy. Art can increase in value over time, especially if it’s from a renowned or emerging artist. It can also be a part of your heritage and history, something that you can pass on to your family or friends. Art can be a treasure that lasts for generations and it’ll last longer than the latest smart phone. You might also be surprised that you can often buy good art for less than some of the latest electronic gadgets.

So there you have it: the top five reasons to buy art work. I hope this article has inspired you to start or expand your art collection. Remember: art is for everyone, and everyone deserves art!

Twelve Reasons for Taking an Art Class

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Are you looking for a fun and creative way to spend your free time? Do you love nature and art? Do you want to learn a new skill and unleash your inner creativity and express yourself through art? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should consider taking an art class. Here are twelve reasons for taking an art class and why it’s a great idea:

  1. You will learn how to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature. Landscape painting teaches you how to pay attention to the colors, shapes, textures, and light of the natural world. You will develop a deeper connection with your surroundings and discover new ways of seeing things.
  2. You will improve your drawing and painting skills. Landscape painting is a challenging but rewarding genre that requires you to master the basics of perspective, composition, value, and color theory. You will also learn how to use different mediums and techniques to create realistic and expressive effects.
  3. You will unleash your creativity and imagination. Landscape painting is not just about copying what you see, but also about interpreting it in your own way. You can experiment with different styles, moods, and themes to convey your personal vision and feelings.
  4. You will have fun and relax. Landscape painting is a great way to enjoy yourself and reduce stress. You can immerse yourself in the process of creating something beautiful and satisfying. You can also share your work with others and get feedback and encouragement.
  5. You will meet new people and make friends. Landscape painting is a social activity that allows you to interact with other like-minded people. You can learn from each other, exchange ideas, and inspire each other.
  6. You will boost your confidence and self-esteem. Landscape painting is a form of self-expression that helps you discover more about yourself and your potential. You will feel proud of your achievements. You will also develop a positive attitude and a growth mindset that will help you in other areas of your life.
  7. Landscape painting has many benefits for your mind and mood. It can improve your concentration, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. It can also lower your anxiety, depression, and boredom levels. It can even stimulate your brain and prevent cognitive decline as you age.
  8. You will expand your horizons and perspectives. Landscape painting encourages you to travel and explore new places, both physically and virtually. You will find inspiration in different landscapes, from mountains and forests to cities and seasides. You will also appreciate the diversity and beauty of our planet.
  9. You can create something meaningful and valuable. Art is not only a form of expression, but also a form of communication. By taking an art class, you can create something meaningful and valuable that conveys your message, vision, or story to others.
  10. You can showcase your talent and achievements. By taking an art class, you can showcase your talent and achievements by displaying your artwork in exhibitions, competitions, or online platforms.
  11. You can support the arts community. By taking an art class, you can support the arts community by contributing to its vitality and diversity.
  12. You will have a fulfilling hobby or career. Landscape painting is a rewarding activity that can enrich your life in many ways. Whether you do it for fun or for profit, you will find joy and satisfaction in creating something meaningful and beautiful.

As you can see, there are many reasons why taking an art class can be a wonderful experience for you.

So what are you waiting for?Oil Painting Art Class

Sign up for an art class today and discover the benefits of art for yourself. You won’t regret it!

William Hagerman offers several once a month art class painting sessions / workshops. He brings his talent and expert guidance as a teacher to North East Texas. So, if you love nature and art, register for a class and learn how to capture the essence of nature with your brush. For more information and class schedule click here.

Trompe l’oeil Painted Doors

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For the first post of 2023 I thought I’d share a couple of unique and fun projects of Trompe l’oeil painted doors. If your unfamiliar with the term, trompe l’oiel is a French term used to describe a highly detailed painting meant to fool the eye. Variations on this concept have been used for interior and exterior murals with varying degrees of detail. Sometimes you don’t always have to go to the extreme in detail to dress up and provide a piece of art onto an otherwise plain flat utilitarian object.

Such was the case when contacted by a client to paint the illusion of a Dutch door onto a plain metal interior door that was the entrance to the living area of their “barndominium.” After taking a tour of their home and seeing the interior colors and gathering more info from them, an initial sketch was done and once approved work began. The following will show some progress shots.

First was the door as it originally stood before it was delivered to my studio.
Interior metal door before a tromp l'oiel painting was done

The photograph of the door was printed out and I used it to draw my preliminary sketch and a color mock up to show the client. Once approved the work began.

 

 

 

 

 

First Phase

Start of a Tromp l'oiel painted door by William Hagerman

After the drawing was done, areas were masked off and then painted with latex interior house paint. The color was a close match to other existing colors in my clients home. Once dry, blue painters tape was applied to mask off the already painted area, which made it easier to paint the background.

 

 

 

 

Second Phase of the tromp l’oiel door

tromp l'oiel painted door in progress by William HagermanOnce the background was painted in, the painters tape was removed. The tape had also been put over the bluejay bird on the ledge of the door. An exacto knife was used to cut around the shape. Invariably a little paint seeped under areas of the tape requiring some touch up. Now with the tape removed the bluejay was painted.

The rest of the door was painted sitting on the floor.

 

 


tromp l'oiel painted door to look like a Dutch door by William Hagerman

Here’s the completed door which included my clients Shar-Pei dog Hazel sitting at the base.

 

 

 

 

 

Tromp l’oiel painted Dutch Door Installed
tromp l'oiel painted door to look like a Dutch door by William Hagerman

And here’s the door installed!

This was a new experience in painting and it was sooo much fun to do!

The fun continued with another painted door project for another client with a slightly even more challenging subject.

 

 

 

Another painted door!

The work process was similar to the above, however,  oil paint was used in areas that needed more open time making it easier to blend colors. However, the door had texture and panels so a sheet of smooth plywood was attached and then primed prior to painting. The subject was  my client’s daughter who had done some modeling and his English bulldog PaPa when still a pup sitting at the base.

Tromp l'oiel painted door to look like an open half door.      Tromp l'oiel painted door by William Hagerman

So what do you think?

 

Windberg Style Bluebonnet Painting

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Windberg Style Bluebonnet Painting

In this prior blog post https://hagermanart.com/blog/dalhart-windberg-a-recollection/ I wrote  about famed Texas Artist Dalhart Windberg and how he had an early influence on my art. Early on I tried to emulate his style, before embarking on my own way of painting.

After 30 plus years, I decided to try out the technique he employed once again in this Windberg Style Bluebonnet Painting.

It’s not as flawless in it’s smoothness as Windberg’s but then again, he had many years to hone his skills in applying this smooth brush style of painting. This painting is 8×10 and was painted on a prepared cradled panel.

If you’re not familiar With Dalhart Windberg’ his work, here is an example. It was fun revisiting this technique and I may just have to try it out once again!