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First in a series of a life study of a lifetime Moonshiner brought up in what was the toughest county in the U.S., Taking care of his family with "White Lightening" since age 12.

Original pencil

Paul Murray Peoples Choice Award in competition and gained top 10 out of 2675 artist.

Original Pastel - major

Original pencil Zoe' with Rabbit

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Almost complete, just a few more touches and this major new area of Paul Murray including Smoky Mountains waterfalls. Enjoy Zoe' in her favourite caped coat. She is trying not to get it wet while she figures out how to cross this river without getting her cape wet. Paul says that Zoe' is growing out of her baby years and making bigger and bigger decisions in life. What will be the end result of her life decisions.

Red is a mountain man who loves the old ways so much, he has built a mini museum with primitive buildings mad with found wood, each with trade tools and antiques. A lye making shop, cobbler shop, blacksmith shop and many more. Red always seems joyful like you would think Santa Clause would be. He is always happy to be with people, sharing stories of the old days and jokes he’s picked up on the way. He loves critters, too. He has always owned mules, burros goats and chickens. He stands here with our burro "Dolly" getting ready to do some chores. Every spring Dolly & Paul ploughed our vegetable garden. "Dolly" did a good job and was a great joy for Paul and, I think Dolly ,too! By the way, Dolly loves people just as much, and he gives you an exuberant greeting that only a donkey can do! In April 2009 Dolly, age 5, was accidentally killed by a gun. He will be sorely missed, we were blessed to have had him.

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Paul's best buddy Original Pencil study for "Homeward oil" Framing is limited*. We miss Dolly very much. He was a great pal for Paul. They had this kind of dance or routine that would happen when Paul went to feed or harness him. Dolly would seem uninterested, then when Paul went to put the harness on he would bit it and yank it away. Finally when Paul got the harness on, while he was hooking it up, Dolly would bite his hat and take it off. This playfull banter was just some of the things that made their time together special. Only memories now. KatiJane M.

Original pencil study

See Paul Murray's only major painting of the Smoky Mountains. See these ancient mountians through the eyes of a child that had fallen in love with this area since age 5. See how the mountains and its people feed his soul. A local mountain man “Red”, says, “I’m just a possum eatin’ ridgerunnr”, don’t let that fool you. He is among the most wise people I know, and hard workin’ too. Red still lives as he did when he grew up in these Tennessee Mountains, off the land. He loves to talk of the past and tell tales of the mountains. His animals are like his best friends, cared for dearly. His favorite is “Dolly” his mule. Red always a happy kind soul. Wilma always by Red’s side. They work together in all they do, The plough the garden, harvest, sell/trade their trinkits, plants, chicken and goats at the flea market. Red was forever building his ol’time museum buildings. Red was always hoping to share his love of the old ways with others that would come to his museum. He never got to complete this dream, but Paul Murray helped him share his wisdom. Wilma always at his side, Red will give her prices for items to be sold; he just walks around ‘n spouts the prices to her. Wilma says “Yes” after each price. Then Red walks off to go see what else he can buy for his museum. Wilma, left to sell all of their wears, with a list of prices stored away in her head.