Warren Taylor

Upon entrance, the presence of the artist is obvious: the walls of his small office are adorned with art, photographs, posters, and certificates. But the written clues to Warren Taylor’s very close relationship to watercolor are in the certificates: The Watercolor Society of America, The San Diego Watercolor Society, and the American Watercolor Society all claim Professor Taylor as a member. And why does this MC Art Professor of 27 years love this particular medium? “I respond to the transparency. I can incorporate a lot of detail into a small area very quickly,” he says. His gifts with watercolor have given Taylor a great deal of recognition beyond Midland, as the MC instructor currently has his work on exhibit in two other galleries, one in, and one out of state.

Taylor (right), with student Danny Garcia

Taylor knew by the second grade that he wanted to be an artist. “It came easily to me,” he said. As far as the source of his inspiration, he says laughingly, “It’s a psychiatric disorder.”

The Southwestern flavor of Taylor’s work, depicted especially in his subject matter, cannot be denied. Boquillas is named after the town of Boquillas, which lies on the border between Texas and Mexico. The watercolor combines, “two and three dimensional images coming together,” he said. More specifically, there are “cowboy and Indian figures cavorting around peppers.” The peppers, well … he bought them at HEB, and included them in the painting because, “I love their color and beautiful shapes,” he said. The plants behind the peppers are agaves, native to Mexico and the Southwest, cultivated for centuries for their ornamental and medicinal qualities. The flat quilt-like foundation, which extends into the horizon, is inspired by the flatness of Kansas where Taylor grew up, which is “almost as flat as West Texas,” he said.

"Boquillas" by Warren Taylor

Boquillas and other watercolors by Taylor are currently on display in a solo exhibition, “Dreamings and Driftings” at the new Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts in Lubbock, (LHUCA), which Taylor describes as “an ongoing campus for the arts.”

In addition to his exhibit at LHUCA, Taylor also has two paintings on exhibit at “State of the Art,” the National Biennial Watercolor Invitational at Parkland Art Gallery at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. He also guest teaches at various locations across the country. During spring break of this year he will teach at the San Diego Watercolor Society and this summer in Cincinnati at the Ohio Watercolor Society. These short stays in other art programs, which he greatly enjoys, give him exposure to other artists.

Taylor’s watercolors also grace the halls and various offices on MC’s campus. He has enjoyed watching MC’s art program—which is very successful and boasts students from 18 to 82 years old—grow over the years. Taylor believes much of his success is due to MC, “I am very grateful to Midland College for its support. This school has been very encouraging to me over the years. It’s been part of my success.” He also attributes his growth to his fellow teachers, “I have first-rate colleagues teaching with me,” he said. Taylor, MC Student Publications Lab Instructor Karen Lanier, and Taylor’s art students also collaborated on a painting, “The Chaparrals,” to commemorate MC’s 35th anniversary.

"Chaparrals" by Warren Taylor et al.

MC’s Art department offers a wide range of classes in its Associate of Arts degree program, including drawing, painting, design, print-making, photography, sculpture, ceramics, art history and art appreciation.

For more information about MC’s Art program, which offers both credit courses and short-term continuing education classes, call (432) 685-4651.

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