Al Clymer, a Denison-born realist painter, has spent more than five decades creating works that honor Native American heritage and Western history. His deep artistic inspiration comes from his own Native American roots and the stories passed down from his grandfather, who endured the hardships of the Trail of Tears.

Originally trained in architecture at Texas A&M University, Clymer discovered his passion for painting through design courses, experimenting with acrylics and innovative surfaces. In 1967, he traded his drafting tools for a paintbrush and became a full-time professional artist. A Bird Colonel in the U.S. Army, Clymer brought the same discipline and precision from his military service into his art, developing a unique style that blends architectural structure with powerful cultural storytelling.

Clymer is known for his innovative use of acrylics on masonite fiberboard, a surface that absorbs water quickly and creates striking visual effects. His paintings have been showcased in over 187 solo exhibitions and are represented in private, corporate, and museum collections around the world. He has been reviewed by La Revue Moderne des Arts (Paris), Playboy Press, and numerous newspapers, earning accolades for his mastery of color, layered textures, and evocative imagery.

He has been featured in Who’s Who in American Art and Men of Achievement, and was recognized as one of the top three artists in America in Paul Gillette’s The Single Man’s Indispensable Guide. Critics have described his work as:

“Skillful relief, resonances, and overlapping shadows… explosions of gold, simmering reds, mauves, and greens… landscapes become magical escapes.” – La Revue Moderne des Arts, Paris

Clymer’s paintings often portray figures from behind, a gesture of respect for tribal traditions and cultural privacy. His work is not only a celebration of artistic mastery but also a deeply personal tribute to the heritage and stories that shaped his family’s history.