Donkey Mexico Mexican
Curtis Wilson Dykes (May 15, 1930 – May 30, 2026) was a Central Texas artist renowned for his Western landscapes and depictions of cowboy life, blending his lifelong love of the open range with a passion for drawing and painting.
Born in Sparta, Texas, just outside Belton, to Grady and Dessa (Polk) Dykes, Curtis was the youngest of four children. He grew up on a farm, but from a young age preferred the life of a cowboy. His brother Jimmy introduced him to electrical work, and Curtis pursued a career as a journeyman electrician, later retiring from Fort Hood after serving three years in the U.S. Navy as a “Sea Bee”. He also spent time cowboying on the Fort Hood Reservation, experiences that would later inspire his art.
Curtis’s early years of cowboying and his habit of sketching laid the foundation for his career in cowboy art, which became his true passion. He was well known in Central Texas for his Western landscapes and depictions of cowboy life, capturing the essence of the Texas frontier in his work. While specific gallery exhibitions and auction records are limited in the provided sources, listed as a 20th-century artist with works appearing in international venues
Most of his life was spent in Bell County, Texas, where he raised his family and spent his senior years. He lived in Temple for the last 20 years with his wife, Martha (May) Dykes, who preceded him in death.
Curtis Dykes is remembered both for his contributions to Texas cultural heritage through his art and for his role as a community figure in Central Texas. His works reflect a deep connection to the land, the cowboy tradition, and the personal memories of a man who lived and breathed the Texas way of life
Notable facts:
Born: May 15, 1930, Sparta, TX
Died: May 30, 2026, Temple, TX
Known for: Western landscapes, cowboy life depictions
Career highlights: Electrician, Navy “Sea Bee,” cowboy artis