Texas Artist Don Snell Has Died

by Paula Newton January 7, 2014

SnellWithLucasBookArtist Don Snell died peacefully at his Georgetown home on Monday morning at the age of 91, reports his partner Ruth Roberts. “Don lived a rich life, full of fun and fantasy,” she writes, “and blessed by more friends than I can imagine.”

Known mainly for his expressive figurative paintings, Snell also created sculpture and photography. Throughout his career, Snell had exhibitions throughout the U.S. and Europe, as well as in smaller venues near his home. On a 2004 painting, he wrote a text “An artist makes a statement,” reprinted on his website, which reads in part:

It was never my intention to be an artist. But I read “Lust for Life.” The idea of drawing naked females was of great interest to me. Besides I had no marketable skills so I took the vow of poverty and became an artist…..So far my career has been uneventful. But when you consider I am 82 and still producing great works of art, things have not been all that bad.

Snell was born in Sioux Falls in 1922, grew up in Kansas City, and served in World War II in the United States Army Air Corps. Snell received his BFA from the University of Texas at Austin and completed postgraduate studies at Tulane University in New Orleans. He subsequently taught at Tulane, as well as at Arlington State College in Texas and the University of Houston. In 2010, Snell was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Austin Visual Arts Association.

13 comments

13 comments

Mavis Belisle March 15, 2014 - 17:46

Ruth, I just saw this, and I’m so sorry. Seeing his work always gives me pleasure.

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Laura Schlund September 1, 2023 - 19:14

I could use someone’s help. I have been unable to reach Ruth Roberts. My family have known Ruth and Don for many years. I last saw them in Georgetown when I was visiting from Calif years ago. I realize Ruth may have passed as both of mine have since passed (jo and David Weinstein). If she has passed, can someone give Ruth’s adult children my [email protected].
Thank you, Laura (Weintein) Schlund

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Anthony Mallard November 14, 2023 - 17:28

Ruth Roberts

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Ruth Roberts passed away peacefully at Georgetown Living, surrounded by love.
Shane & David O’Leary – Ruth’s children – are holding a Remembrance & Celebration of Life for her on Monday, Dec 4th in Georgetown. We’d love to see as many of you as can join us there. Details below.
Mom had developed dementia, which – in addition to so much more – robbed her of friends and family. Over the last 5 or 6 years, she’d lost her words, which led her to lose confidence in speaking on the phone or keeping up with her many correspondences. This, and COVID, resulted in a profound isolation around mid-2020.
David, with whom Mom lived at the time, realized her illness was far more than he could care for on his own. He made the difficult choice to move Mom to an amazing memory facility in early 2021 where she was well cared for.
Come join us to remember and celebrate our wild, vibrant mom. Bring your memories and stories to share or document.
We look forward to seeing y’all.
Ruth’s Remembrance & Celebration of Live
Monday, December 4, 2023 from 2 to 5pm
Black Sugar Caffe (previously Cianfrani’s)
109 W 7th Street, Ste 105
Georgetown TX 78626
Please RSVP to Shane by Mon, Nov 20th
Text: 512.296.5135
[email protected]
Shane O’Leary & David O’Leary

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Barb Appelhans April 2, 2014 - 20:04

I have two paintings that have been in our family for many years. One is a desert land scape signed Snell the other a Mexican veranda signed Ruth both framed similar belived to be painted by the same family? Trying to finds any information on the arrests,can you please help?

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Ruth Roberts December 12, 2014 - 17:40

I am Don Snell’s partner (and widow). Without seeing the image signed “Snell,” I cannot tell whether it is by Don Snell or not. It does not sound like one of his works.

I am not an artist. I have no idea who might have painted the Mexican veranda you mentioned.

Your last sentence is very intriguing as there has been a theft of a number of Snell’s paintings. My phone number is 512-635-3635. What did your last sentence mean?

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Cindy Swain August 6, 2014 - 18:52

While I have not talked to you in years, I think of you and Don often. You have both been on my mind for months and I regret I am only now contacting you. Don’s work gives me pleasure every day as I look at his Lion and Sleeping Gypsy and move it around my house to keep it fresh – what a great sense of humor. You and Don were so kind to let us pay for it a little at a time — I just hope I paid it in full. You also are an artist of words, relationship,p and perception and I have learned much from you over the years. Please do let me know if I still owe on the painting 🙂 512-496-1828

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Linda February 22, 2017 - 18:38

Ruth must empty the gallery and is selling many of Don’s remaining paintings. Contact her for an appointment to view and purchase.

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Stan June 18, 2018 - 20:19

I have a snell painting i think sail boat in harbour sorrunded by a village can anyone tell got it today at garage sale

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Stella February 12, 2022 - 10:27

I knew Don when he was married to Janice. Jan is still a friend of mine. Don photographed me and Jan painted pics of me.. Don lived a long life and many people in Houston knew him and went to events held at his house during the early 70’s.

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Bruce Rose February 13, 2022 - 21:23

Ruth, interested in photogear Don left. Used to do some of your prints. Miss some of the breakfasts we shared.

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Gina Kidd Design May 26, 2022 - 20:11

Hi…I love Snell’s work.
Just diving into his legacy recently. I may have one of his pieces…a vibrant bayou depiction, in greens, blues, black. It’s signed D Snell. the patina / framing overall points to the era as well…40’s 50’s 60’s…?…
Questions are, did Snell paint bayous , marshlands? Who may I email/ text message a photo to you shed light on the painting .
Thank you!

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Kathryn Payne May 13, 2023 - 19:24

I met Don and Ruth at Whole Foods, he gave me 100 good karma units and I still have it. I also bought his book of words and images. I loved him instantly.

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Andrew Weniger December 25, 2023 - 04:07

I grew up with two of Don Snell’s paintings staring down from our walls. Their impressionistic nudity was intriguing for a child. My parents Del and Nell Weniger had been friends with Don in late 1950’s Houston. Don lived upstairs from the paperback bookstore my parents ran. Many part-time workers included Larry McMurtry among others. I don’t think Don and my parents maintained contact but the paintings did remain a constant over the decades.

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