Like most Texas landscape painters, I have done more than my share of bluebonnet paintings, so while the top of a “Painted Church” was from a plein air done one Spring afternoon near Schulenburg, the bottom half of a field of bluebonnets was just a big fib. I will not apologize, however, as I stand by “Artist Perogative”. That’s nothing compared to these churches! A tour of the “Painted Churches” is a must see any time of year but especially during Bluebonnet season. They are located in the communities of Dubina, High Hill, Praha, and Ammannsville which dot the Centeral Texas Hill Country. Modeled after the ancient gothic cathedrals of Europe, they were built and adorned by Czech, German and Austrian immigrants during the 18th and early 19th century. While the exteriors are charming, nothing can prepare you for the elaborate interiors. Swooping cherubs, intricate patterns of flowers, faux marble pillars and trompe l’oeil make for a fantasy world of sheer delight! So if I told a little visual fib, these poor immigrant artisans painted a Whopper! This makes them some of the most awe-inspiring examples of the rich cultures imigrants bring to our fair state and a treat for any art or history enthusiast. Put it on your list of fun things to do sometime this year!
