Charles Banks Wilson

Charles Banks Wilson is one of Oklahoma’s most beloved and accomplished artists. Known for his portraits and murals honoring great Oklahomans and Oklahoma history, and for his career-spanning series of portraits of Native Americans, his place in the history of American art is assured. This stunning book, featuring nearly two hundred reproductions of his works, celebrates both his life story and his artistic legacy.

As demonstrated in this book, Wilson’s work is characterized both by technical expertise and aesthetic genius. But his place in the hearts of Americans and in the company of such great regionalists as Thomas Hart Benton is secured by his eye for the everyday truths of humbler subjects: for example, boys leaping into a swimming hole or cooks stirring the bean pot at a powwow. His work ranges widely across media; he is equally skilled in pencil, ink, watercolor, and oil, and he is a master lithographer.

The contributors to this book reveal Wilson’s devotion to American heartland life through detailed analysis of his works, many from the Gilcrease Collection, created over nearly seven decades of the artist’s life. Focusing on Wilson’s life as well as his art, the contributors make a special effort to convey his artistic philosophy through his own words. As a result, this remarkable volume offers unprecedented access to the man and his work.

Carole Klein, Associate Curator of Art at Gilcrease, has been on staff since 1991. She has in-depth experience working with the museum’s art collection for research and exhibitions and has written extensively for related publications and the Gilcrease Journal. As a professional artist, Carole brings direct experience and knowledge of art media and techniques to her curatorial work.

Anne Morand (1951-2013) was the curator of Native American Art at the National Cowboy Hall and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Randy Ramer is Director of Exhibitions and Publications for Gilcrease Museum.