Tom Lovell Paintings July 1, 2011

The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum holds the nation's largest collection of art work by famed western artist, Tom Lovell. The 14 paintings commissioned by the Abell-Hanger Foundation of Midland are dubbed "The Crown Jewels of the Museum" by many writers. The collection of paintings portrays the history of man in the Permian Basin and his effect upon this unique place in the world. The subject of each painting is a story in itself. Lovell, a "storyteller with a brush," worked closely with the founder of the Museum, George T. Abell, and chose a moment in the history of the Permian Basin in which people are either doing something or reacting to something. Each draws the viewer into the scene to witness the event and share the emotions of the characters.