Lot 259: Weller, Dell

Weller, Dell Louisiana (B.1927) WOOD DUCKS LANDING etching, framed signed, titled & numbered: lower margins in pencil, 121/200 plate size: 7 1/2 x 7 3/4 inches *Artist biography: Born in New Orleans in 1927 and raised in Kingsville, Texas, Weller started sketching and drawing at an early age. A man truly dedicated to art for its own sake, he passed up an opportunity to enroll in medical school in order to pursue a four year course of study in New York City at the Art Student League. Having completed his education there he went to Mexico to live and paint for two years after which he returned to New Orleans. Being well-known for his oil painting was not sufficient for Weller and he decided to teach himself the difficult art of etching and drypoint, learning to master these media. Each new edition was eagerly awaited by his many collectors, among them former Texas Governor John Connally, Author Leon Uris and sportsman Joe Garagiolla. Weller was an avid hunter and fisherman which accounts for the realism and authenticity of his popular wildlife subjects. Weller has had numerous one-man and group shows in galleries in New Orleans, Houston, Palm Beach, and many other cities. He was one of the very few artists ever to be honored with the coveted first prize in the Pirates Alley Spring Fiesta show in New Orleans for three consecutive years. In 1972 Weller was selected, over many other applicants, to illustrate the Plantation Cookbook for the Junior League of New Orleans, which was published by Doubleday and sold over 50,000 copies.