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"I taught myself to draw. As a child, I spent countless hours copying the work of Frederick Remington and Charles Russell. By the time I got to college, all I did was turn in the assigned work," said our featured artist, Frank Swords.
Indeed, he taught himself to draw, and as a result of seriously studying two favourite artists, Swords' eye for detail is one of the things that stand out in his own work today.
Swords explained that he has always had a great admiration and respect for the men and women of the old west and the War Between the States era. He added that not only was he captivated by the works of Remington and Russell, but also George Catlin, Winslow Homer and Matthew Brady. "I am inspired by those who lived in such dangerous and turbulent times," added Swords.
During Swords years at Wood Junior College, he studied drama and acted in several plays, including Charlie's Aunt, Darkside of the Moon and Pure as the Driven Snow. After transferring to Mississippi State University, Swords changed his major to Fine Art. He studied painting and graphic Art, placing in several college competition shows. After college, he farmed for a while and travelled before settling in Miami. After several years in Miami, he decided to return to his roots and now resides in West Point, Mississippi.
He has recently won several awards and is concentrating on wildlife, Native American art, and especially capturing the War of Northern Agression in his drawings.
Swords just recently signed a contract with "Southern Heritage Showcase" in Nashville and has done some commissioned artwork for All Points South and several other organizations. You can also view many beautiful drawings of Mississippi heritage at the Columbus Welsome Center, Tennessee Williams Home.
"I truly love the South, its culture and love for the arts. Our Southern heritage is a treasure we cannot afford to lose. People don't realize how rich our culture is until they live somewhere else. It's great to come home!" added Swords.
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