Artwork Information

  • Title:

    Beaumont, Kansas

  • Artist:

    James, Frederic

  • Artist Bio:

    American, 1915–1985

  • Date:

    1968

  • Medium:

    Ink

  • Dimensions:

    6 x 13 5/8 inches

  • Credit Line:

    Wichita Art Museum, Gift of the Wichita Eagle and Beacon

  • Object Number:

    1968.63

  • Display:

    Not Currently on Display


About the Artwork

Frederic James was a native of Kansas City, Missouri until his death in 1985. A successful watercolorist of national fame, Mr. James has taught at the Kansas City Art Institute and his work has been widely exhibited in the Midwest and in New York City.

This collection of pen and ink drawings was commissioned by the Wichita Eagle Beacon to illustrate a feature series on the Kansas Flint Hills. Frederic James accompanied Jon Roe, then senior Beacon reporter, on a tour of the Flint Hills to explore the character of the land and its people. The resultant series of essays and drawings was published in its entirety in 1968 under the title, The Flint Hills: Commitment to the Past.

A tremendous knowledge of the land as well as a love for it is revealed in Mr. James’ drawings. Through his own commitment to the Flint Hills, the artist encourages us to make an effort to appreciate and preserve this part of our heritage.