Early Oil Days by Al Richardson – A Glimpse into the Roots of the Oil Industry

Al Richardson’s Early Oil Days is a powerful tribute to the pioneering spirit that built the foundation of the American oil industry. This finely detailed print, hand colored y the artist, features a towering wooden derrick—an icon of early oil exploration—rising from a rugged, undeveloped landscape. With earthy tones and careful brushwork, Richardson evokes the grit, determination, and resourcefulness of the men who braved the unknown to drill for black gold. The rustic setting and hand-built machinery reflect a time when innovation was driven by hard work and hope. Early Oil Days is a compelling piece for collectors drawn to industrial heritage, Texas history, and the enduring legacy of energy in the American West.