Published: May 19, 2009 11:52 am      

Shipman featured artist of the month

Sulphur — Floyd Shipman, Sulphur, is the Artist of the Month for May at the Artists of the Arbuckles, 330 W. Muskogee, Sulphur.

Gallery hours are 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

His work often displays humor, as demonstrated in his painting of a horse and cart titled “Four Dollar Gas” painted about a year ago during the period of expensive gas.

Another of his favorite subjects is Oklahoma landscapes.

Shipman joined the artists group in Sulphur in 1983. He was a charter member along with Nellie Belle Horseman, Virginia Hankins, Scottie Jack and many others. They began painting together on Monday nights and met in the Mary Parker Library or homes until they were given a gallery on city property but owned by Rick Patterson. When the city reclaimed this property it leased the old city hall to the Artists of the Arbuckles.

Shipman moved to Sulphur when he was discharged from the Army in 1946. He worked for the post office as a mail carrier from 1965 until he retired in 1988.

He has a daughter living in Sulphur and a son lives in Norman.

His interest in art actually began in the early 1970s as he watched his wife do needlework. Interested in the colors and designs, Shipman began his own needlework projects and then ventured into painting.