David Adickes Art

Modern Cubist inspired figure painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features a colorfully dressed Native American figure set against a red background. S...

David Adickes (1927-2024) "Man On Horse" Bronze Sculpture 7.5 x 6.5 x 3 Signed inner rear leg. cowboy, horseback, horse, western, wooden base Houston sculptor and painter David Pryor Adickes died on Sunday, July 13 at age 98, leaving a legacy of nearly eight decades of artmaking that included many notable monumental public sculptures and signature paintings. Mr. Adickes may have cut a diminutive figure — at 105 pounds he was once deemed too slight to enlist as a World War II Army pilot — but he became a giant of Texas art over his long lifetime. Mr. Adickes was born in Huntsville in 1927, and lived there through graduating with a degree in math and physics from Sam Houston State University (SHSU), before decamping to Paris in 1948. There he studied the art of El Greco, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Marc Chagall. In a 2017 Texas Country Reporter story, Mr. Adickes quoted his friend, noted author James Michener — whom he called “Jim” — in saying, “I just come from Texas, but I’m not a Texan. I’m a French artist, if you had to really put geography [on it]. Paris influenced me more than any other place in the world.” But few artists could have been more Texan. In true maverick style, Mr. Adickes sidestepped traditional methods of applying for public art commissions through governmental channels, instead parlaying successful real estate ventures into buying land on which to situate his artworks. One such example is his massive Sam Houston sculpture — a Huntsville icon, titled A Tribute to Courage — grandly stands nearly 70 feet tall on a grassy plot he owned on the southern edge of town, overlooking Interstate 45. Dixie Friend Gay, a longtime friend of Mr. Adickes and noted public sculptor who goes through traditional channels to propose and site her work, said good humoredly, “He talked to me about how I did public art, and he goes, ‘You know what? I just go buy the property and stick what I want to on it.’” Ms. Gay said Mr. Adickes was generous in sharing his substantial knowledge on complex sculptural processes. This trait was also recognized by artist Jack Massing, Executive Director of The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, who to work through the complex concrete layering processes of building his huge sculptures. “As a maker, he was fearless in making these giant things. He figured it out. He got it done, and he did it for so long,” Mr. Massing said. Linda Wiley also admired Mr. Adickes, for his work as an artist and for his charming personality. They met 30 years ago while he was working on the Sam Houston sculpture. “Those of us around in Huntsville ... had heard of this guy that was building a giant statue, and so I went out and met David and his charming self, and started taking pictures,” she said. That initial encounter eventually became Ms. Wiley’s 1996 book about Adickes as an inspiration for creativity in everyone, Making It Happen: Exploring the Creative Process Through the Sculptures of David Adickes. The title is a reference to Mr. Adickes’ fortitude, Ms. Wiley said. “David didn’t just dream up the dream, he realized the dream.” The two became a couple, then life partners. One dream of Mr. Adickes’ that remains unrealized was finding a permanent Texas home for his collection of 43 famed giant president’s head sculptures, which remain at his downtown studio. The building faces demolition by the Texas Department of Transportation through eminent domain. “So there’s the ticking of the clock, because we’re hoping to get them transferred to their new home before TxDOT says you gotta move them now,” Ms. Wiley said. Thirty years ago, after seeing firsthand the monumental Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, Mr. Adickes undertook what would become an expensive and consuming obsession to craft large-scale concrete heads for each president. By the end of his life, he had completed every president through Barack Obama. In a 2014 interview with Houston Public Media, Mr. Adickes said, “It’s this crazy idea, but I have crazy ideas,” concluding with a lightheartedly self-deprecating pronouncement, "It's a curse." In a February 2025 Texas Monthly article on the quandary of their preservation, Mr. Adickes is quoted as saying, “I don’t want them to die. ... My goal is to create works of art that will be here for generations — that will bring pleasure for generations to come. My whole life is based on that desire.” Mr. Adickes purchased the former Huntsville High School, when the building was to be razed, and converted it into the Adickes Art Foundation Art Museum to house his ever-growing collection of paintings and sculptures. Ms. Wiley said they sold the building a few years ago to SHSU, which turned it into a natural history museum. Regarding what will happen to the artistic legacy of Mr. Adickes, “As far as a museum in his honor, that remains to be seen. I’m going to let the stars align on that and see what happens.” She said TammyDowe of Spot On Public Relations in Houston is working on finding a home for the presidents’ heads, and Mr. Massing said he believes the heads will be the most important part of Mr. Adickes’ legacy and hopes they find a home. According to those who knew him, Mr. Adickes will be remembered for his good will as much as his artwork. Mr. Massing said, “His impact is going to be felt for another 30 to 50 years because of the people that he touched.” Ms. Gay remembered him as an engaging personality. “I loved his stories. He was such a unique storyteller,” she said, describing him as a “Renaissance Man” with a wide range of interests. In a 2008 oral history book by Sarah C. Reynolds, Houston Reflections: Art in the City, 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, Mr. Adickes recalled starting The Studio School of Contemporary Art on Truxillo Street with Paris colleague Herb Mears in 1951, and later, opening the Love Street Light Circus and Feel Good Machine in 1967, calling it “the hottest psychedelic club in town," having hosted such bands as The Red Crayola, at the time "just a bunch of kids from Rice (University)." In 2017, Mr. Adickes told the Texas Country Reporter that loving what he did was key to his longevity, declaring, “I’ll never retire. That’s not possible.” Ms. Wiley said he stayed active, in mind and spirit, until he died. “He was David until the very last.” For an extended visual tour of Mr. Adickes’ Houston- and Huntsville-based monumental sculpture, visit the Houston Chronicle’s recent memorial photo essay. A public memorial event will be held in mid-October, Ms. Wiley said, with further details forthcoming. Source: Glasstire (2025), written by Nicholas Frank Submitted by: Stephanie Reeves Biography from the Archives of askART Photo of David Pryor Adickes Sculptor David Adickes is known for a major project titled Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he created 42 portraits bust of American presidents. Each sculpture is twenty feet tall, and their size was the subject of much protest and controversy. However, a court ruling allowed them to stay. Source: Art & Antiques, November 2000 Now mainly known as a creator of giant sculpture, Adickes spent most of his professional life teaching, painting, and creating small bronzes. A commission for Houston's Performing Art Center in 1982 marks the beginning of his giant sculpture design. After the 36-foot tall cellist called the Virtuoso in a cubist style, he created a number of abstract works, including a giant cornet for the jazz stage at the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans, Louisiana. Circa 1994 he finished a giant statue of Sam Houston, first President of Texas, followed by his 42 statue tribute to United States Presidents. Adickes has degrees in mathematics and physics which serve him well in the engineering of his works. Working on a giant sculpture series which includes the Beatles, and he hopes to end with a 280-foot tall cowboy statue...

Modern Cubist inspired portrait painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features a male figure wearing a white jacket, blue shirt, and red tie. Signed in ...

David Pryor Adickes born January 1927, Huntsville, Texas) is a modernist sculptor and painter. His most famous work is the 67-foot tall A Tribute to Courage statue of Sam Houston in...

This painting is a great example of David Adickes' early work that embodies the abstract geometric style. Most likely originally sold at DuBose Gallery in Houston, Texas. Circa 1960s...

Modern Cubist inspired colorful desert landscape painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features an abstract cluster of purple, coral, and yellow cacti s...

Blue and green-toned modern abstract figurative portrait painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features two men figures standing side by s...

Earth-toned modern cubist abstract painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features green, orange, and white-toned geometric shapes with embedded glitter. Signed by the artist in the front bottom right corner. Currently hung in a black frame. Dimensions Without Frame: H 7.5 in. x W 9.5 in. Artist Biography: Born (1927) and raised in Huntsville, TX, David Adickes is an artist whose art and heart are closely aligned with Paris, France. After studying art at the Atelier F. Leger in the late 40s, Adickes burst onto the art scene in Houston and elsewhere in the early 50s and has been a prominent member of Houston’s art community ever since. While his most visible works are his giant sculptures, from the Virtuoso in downtown Houston...

Modern Cubist inspired portrait painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features a seated male figure wearing a white jacket and maroon tie with a paint p...

Modern Cubist inspired still life painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features an abstracted red, blue, and gray toned floral still life in a vase on ...

Modern Cubist inspired still life painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features an abstracted teal and maroon toned floral still life on a small table....

Turquoise abstract still life painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The painting depicts white flowers in a tall blue vase on top of a table with a slice of orange melon. Unsigned. Framed in a simple black frame. Dimensions Without Frame: H 29.5 in. x W 23.5 in. Artist Biography: Born (1927) and raised in Huntsville, TX, David Adickes is an artist whose art and heart are closely aligned with Paris, France. After studying art at the Atelier F. Leger in the late 40s, Adickes burst onto the art scene in Houston and elsewhere in the early 50s and has been a prominent member of Houston’s art community ever since. While his most visible works are his giant sculptures...

David Pryor Adickes born January 1927, Huntsville, Texas) is a modernist sculptor and painter. His most famous work is the 67-foot tall A Tribute to Courage statue of Sam Houston in...

David Pryor Adickes born January 1927, Huntsville, Texas) is a modernist sculptor and painter. His most famous work is the 67-foot tall A Tribute ...

Modern abstract floral still life by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features a central vase of white flowers that appear to be daises arranged on a table and set against ...

Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...

Red toned interior still life depicting a white pitcher, two beverage bottles, three yellow ripe mangoes and one unripe, and a shape that resembles a sliced cantaloupe--all on top of...

Warm toned modern cubist abstract still life enhanced giclee painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features yellow and red flowers in an abstracted face shaped vase. Signed by the artist in the front upper right corner. Currently hung in a beautiful gold frame. Dimensions Without Frame: H 23.5 in. x W 17.5 in. Artist Biography: Born (1927) and raised in Huntsville, TX, David Adickes is an artist whose art and heart are closely aligned with Paris, France. After studying art at the Atelier F. Leger in the late 40s, Adickes burst onto the art scene in Houston and elsewhere in the early 50s and has been a prominent member of Houston’s art community ever since. While his most visible works are his giant sculptures, from the Virtuoso in downtown Houston...

Wonderful example of Houston Artist David Adickes's early work. This heavily textured still life features 2 apples and 3 bottles. Most likely this work was framed at Dubose Gallery o...

Modern Cubist inspired still life night scene painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features cream, red, and grey abstract falling leaves set against a black backgro...

Modern Cubist inspired figurative painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features a bearded man wearing a top hat with a bird perched on his head set aga...

Modern abstract figurative portrait painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features a central male and female couple wearing red toned outfits set...

David Pryor Adickes American (b. 1927) John F. Kennedy bas-relief plaster relief sculpture in artists frame incised signature lower center. with gold stars. Deep relief, approximatel...

Modern abstract village landscape by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. This large-scale painting depicts an elevated town by an ocean. The warm-toned color palette suggests a sunrise...

Modern Cubist abstract painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features cluster of blue and gray geometric shapes, accented by a single gold form. Signed...

Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...

Blue toned abstract figurative enhanced giclée depicting three men wearing funky hats and red striped vests. Signed by artist at the bottom right. Framed in a black and gold thick fr...

Modern figurative still life painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features a central sculpture of a bearded man wearing a top hat with a bird sitting o...

Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...

David Adickes (1927 - present) Houston Artist Image Size: 10 x 8 Medium: Gesso, Carved, Oil on Wood Panel "Seer" Biography David Adickes (1927 - present) Adickes spent most of his professional life teaching, painting, and creating small bronzes. Now mainly known as a creator of giant sculpture, A commission for Houston's Performing Art Center in 1982 marks the beginning of his giant sculpture design. After the 36-foot tall cellist called the Virtuoso in a cubist style, he created a number of abstract works, including a giant cornet for the jazz stage at the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sculptor David Adickes is known for a major project titled Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he created 42 portraits bust of American presidents. Each sculpture is twenty feet tall, and their size was the subject of much protest and controversy. However, a court ruling allowed them to stay. President of Texas, followed by his 42 statue tribute to United States Presidents. Adickes has degrees in mathematics and physics which serve him well in the engineering of his works. Working on a giant sculpture series which includes the Beatles, and he hopes to end with a 280-foot tall cowboy statue...

Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...

Modern Cubist inspired animal painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features a group of three abstract chickens running ...

Modern abstract foil painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features a Cubist inspired red, orange, and yellow toned abstract composition. Signed by the artist in fro...

Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...

Modern abstract figurative portrait print by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features a central bearded male figure dressed in a tie set against a background of falling le...

Modern city landscape painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features the titular red domed building set against a variety of other European style buildi...

Modern abstract figurative portrait painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features a central elongated male figure with a well-kept beard dressed in a yellow striped...

Modern abstract figurative portrait painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features two men figures side by side against a blue background....

Cool toned abstract architectural tapestry by Houston-based artist David Adickes. The work features a depiction of the Church of St. Genevieve, a Parisian cathedral, with colorful le...

Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...

Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...

Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...

Modern figurative portrait painting by the iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. The work features three of his signature Cubist-inspired figures, two men and a seated woman, po...

Metal sculpture on wood by Houston, Texas modernist sculptor and painter David Adickes. High relief sculpture of George Bush facing right cast in metal and mounted on wood. Signed by artist. Metal Sculpture Diameter: 6" Artist Biography: Born 1927 in Huntsville, Texas, David Pryor...

Green and red-toned modern abstract figurative painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The piece carries an interesting story of a character named Tess. She was out one eveni...

Modern abstract figurative portrait painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features a man wearing a white and green striped shirt and a red hat and scarf seated next ...

Early modern black and white sketch by iconic Houston based artist David Adickes. Pulled from a collection of previously undiscovered sketchbooks, this work serves as a peak behind t...

Modern abstract figurative portrait painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features a central group of three male figures wearing hats set agai...

David Adickes (Born 1927) Houston Artist Image Size: 10.5 x 13.5 Frame Size: 24 x 26.5 Medium: Lithograph or Etching 7 of 10 "Des Hommes" Biography David Adickes (1927 - present) Houston Artist Adickes spent most of his professional life teaching, painting, and creating small bronzes. Now mainly known as a creator of giant sculpture, A commission for Houston's Performing Art Center in 1982 marks the beginning of his giant sculpture design. After the 36-foot tall cellist called the Virtuoso in a cubist style, he created a number of abstract works, including a giant cornet for the jazz stage at the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sculptor David Adickes is known for a major project titled Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he created 42 portraits bust of American presidents. Each sculpture is twenty feet tall, and their size was the subject of much protest and controversy. However, a court ruling allowed them to stay. President of Texas, followed by his 42 statue tribute to United States Presidents. Adickes has degrees in mathematics and physics which serve him well in the engineering of his works. Working on a giant sculpture series which includes the Beatles, and he hopes to end with a 280-foot tall cowboy statue...

Modern geometric abstract night scene by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features two wooden boats resting along a green shore. Signed by the artist at the bottom right an...

David Pryor Adickes born January 1927, Huntsville, Texas) is a modernist sculptor and painter. His most famous work is the 67-foot tall A Tribute ...

Modern abstract brown toned Cubist inspired still life painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features a central floral arrangement set against a light brown backgrou...

Warm toned modern cubist abstract painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features red, white, and aqua geometric shapes set against a black background. Currently hung in a black floating frame. Dimensions Without Frame: H 20.5 in. x W 14 in. Artist Biography: Born (1927) and raised in Huntsville, TX, David Adickes is an artist whose art and heart are closely aligned with Paris, France. After studying art at the Atelier F. Leger in the late 40s, Adickes burst onto the art scene in Houston and elsewhere in the early 50s and has been a prominent member of Houston’s art community ever since. While his most visible works are his giant sculptures, from the Virtuoso in downtown Houston...

Modern abstract figurative portrait painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features a woman wearing a brightly colored patterned dress and hat posed next to a still l...

Modern abstract still life painting by Houston, TX artist David Adickes. The work features a colorful array of cubes and triangles set against a black and...