Homage to Tom Lea

This series modernizes key works of Tom Lea, a celebrated 20th-century artist known for his portrayals of Western life and the Texas frontier. Each piece maintains a direct connection to Lea' originals while incorporating contemporary techniques.

Spooked!

2023

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH ACRYLIC PAINT, SILVER, & HOLOGRAPHIC GLITTER

36″x40″

1/1

Inspired by Stampede (1976), this piece is based on one of Lea’s largest and most ambitious murals. Stampede depicts a chaotic scene of cattle in full motion, a moment of pure adrenaline and disorder. The painting captures the unpredictability of a stampede—where even the most experienced cowboys had little control once the herd was in motion. Lea studied these events extensively, interviewing ranchers and firsthand witnesses to ensure accuracy in his portrayal. His ability to translate motion onto canvas made Stampede one of his most dynamic works, emphasizing a runaway herd’s sheer force and danger.

Two Star Special

2023

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH ACRYLIC PAINT & SILVER GLITTER

36″x40″

1/1

Inspired by Two Star Special (1940), this piece comes from one of Tom Lea’s working sketches, capturing the energLea’s precision of cowboy life. Unlike many Western artists, Lea was known for his commitment to accuracy, spending time on ranches and interviewing cowboys to ensure realism in his work. His quick, deliberate strokes ceased movement and control, making his preparatory studies as powerful as his finished paintings. Two Star Special exemplifies Lea’s ability to translate real-life action into dynamic, expressive compositions.

Toro

2023

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH ACRYLIC PAINT

30″x20″

1/1

Derived from Toro (1946), this piece is rooted in Lea’s deep fascination with bulls, particularly those bred for bravery and endurance in the ring. Spanish fighting bulls are selectively bred over generations for their aggressive but controlled behavior, making them one of the most prized breeds in the world. Lea’s studies of these animals focused on their musculature, movement, and expression, capturing their raw power and regal stance. His sketches often mirrored the intensity of the bullring, emphasizing the contrast between calm strength and explosive energy. Lea’s work in this area showcases his ability to depict animals as subjects and living embodiments of tradition and history.

El Domador Sanchez

2022

COTTON RAG PAPER with 95mm Silver Leaf

15″x42″ / 74″x36″

10/10, 1/1

This standalone piece is inspired by The Hands of Cantu (1960s), which highlights the equestrian culture of Mexico and the American Southwest. Tom Lea was fascinated by the art of horse training, particularly the vaquero tradition, which emphasized patience, technique, and deep respect between horse and rider. Unlike modern rodeo-style breaking, vaqueros used a gradual approach, earning a horse’s trust over time. Lea’s works often depicted this process, showing trainers working seamlessly with their animals, using body language and subtle cues to communicate. His studies of horse training were detailed and historically accurate, reflecting the Spanish and Mexican influences that shaped the American cowboy tradition.

The Peacemaker

2022

ARCHIVAL INK PRINT ON 100% COT TON RAG PAPER

30″x16″ / 60″x31″

10/10, 3/3

Inspired by Who Came to Stay (1984), initially commissioned for UTEP’s library, this piece tells the story of the early Texas frontier and its settlers. Lea’s painting depicts an Anglo ranger guiding new arrivals—an image that reflects the movement of people into Texas and the expansion of settlements along the border. The work connects to a broader theme in Lea’s portfolio: the individuals who shaped the region through migration, adaptation, and conflict. His portrayal of rangers and settlers was influenced by extensive research into historical records, ensuring authenticity in dress and setting. The Peacemaker was the first Tom Lea work reimagined by Lee Beach, making it the foundation of this series.

Gone to Texas

2023

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH ACRYLIC PAINT, WATERCOLOR , & GOLD GLITTER

50″x26″

1/1

Based on Ranger Escort West of the Pecos, this piece is a nod to West Texas’ identity and its historical significance. Lea’s original painting was an assertion of the rugged frontier’s role in shaping Texas, reminding policymakers in Austin that the westernmost regions were an integral part of the state’s narrative. The term “Gone to Texas” was historically used by settlers and outlaws alike, marking a transition to the untamed landscapes of opportunity and reinvention.

Olé

2022

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH ACRYLIC PAINT, WATERCOLOR , & GOLD GLITTER

50″x36″

1/1

Adapted from Manuel Rodriguez (1947), this work draws from Lea’s fascination with Spanish bullfighting, which he documented after attending matches in Mexico. Lea was captivated by the theatricality of the sport, the careful training of matadors, and the selective breeding of bulls known for their courage and strength. His illustrations often depicted the dramatic tension of the moment just before the final pass, highlighting the balance of precision, danger, and spectacle that defined the tradition.

The Golden San Pedro

2022

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH 22 KARAT GOLD LEAF

7″x5″ / 25″x20″ / 55″ x 32″

10/10, 10/10, 3/3

Inspired by Payday (1961), this piece features the San Pedro cactus, a plant that played a crucial role in the survival of travelers, cattle, and vaqueros in the harsh desert. Historically, the San Pedro cactus was used for multiple purposes—its pulp stored water for hydration, while its fruit provided much-needed sustenance. Additionally, in some regions, it was used for medicinal purposes, helping treat wounds and illnesses. Lea’s choice to include it prominently in Payday was not just an aesthetic decision but an acknowledgment of the plant’s historical importance in sustaining life on the frontier.

The Golden Texas Longhorns

2022

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH 22 KARAT GOLD LEAF

40″x40″

5/5

Based on Texas Longhorns and Trail Herd (1940s), Tom Lea’s meticulous studies of cattle captured the importance of lead steers in large cattle drives. Unlike cowboys, who relied on maps or experience, these steers had a natural ability to sense the best routes through harsh terrain, leading thousands of cattle across rivers and plains. Lea’s work reflected the intelligence and resilience of these animals, elevating them beyond simple livestock to vital navigators of the open range.

Juan Sanchez

2023

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH ACRYLIC PAINT, WATERCOLOR, & BLACK PEN

30″x40″

1/1

Inspired by Juan Sanchez (1969), Tom Lea frequently revisited this character in his sketches, portraying him in multiple roles—from a revolutionary hero to a horse thief. Lea’s fascination with Juan Sanchez stemmed from his broader study of the Texas-Mexico borderlands, where history often blurred the lines between outlaws and folk heroes. His sketches of Sanchez were part of a larger exploration of the cultural crossroads where identity, survival, and lawlessness intersected.

Portraits

This series reinterprets historical icons by merging their original portraits with contemporary elements. Each figure—from revolutionaries to frontiersmen—left a lasting mark on history, and their likenesses, once captured in paintings, daguerreotypes, and photographs, have shaped how we remember them. By layering historical context with modern techniques, these works bridge past and present, offering a fresh perspective on the legends who helped define the American West and beyond.

Pearl Hart – The Stagecoach Rebel

2026

COTTON RAG PAPER with Acrylic Paint

40″x60″

1/1

Original Portrait: Pearl Hart Mugshot, 1899

This 1899 mugshot of Pearl Hart was taken after her arrest for robbing a stagecoach in Arizona. Hart’s crime garnered significant media attention, and she became a folk hero. During her trial, she reportedly said, “I shall not consent to be tried under a law in which my sex had no voice in the making.” After serving time in prison, she largely disappeared from public view, and her later life remains shrouded in mystery.

Annie Oakley – The Sure Shot Showgirl

2025

COTTON RAG PAPER with Acylic Paint

30″x70″

1/1

Original Portrait: Annie Oakley by an unknown photographer, circa 1899

This full-length photomechanical print from the late 19th century captures Annie Oakley in one of her most iconic poses—standing with her rifle, adorned with her championship medals across her dress. One of these, the Police Gazette Medal, was awarded to her for her unparalleled shooting skills. Oakley became famous in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, where she stunned audiences by splitting playing cards in midair and shooting cigars from her husband’s lips. Her skills earned her worldwide fame, and she once even shot a cigarette out of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s mouth, a moment she later joked she regretted after World War I.

Sam Houston – The Lone Star Legend

2024

COTTON RAG PAPER with Acylic Paint

30″x70″

1/1

Original Portrait: 1852 Daguerreotype by the Meade Brothers, later lithographed by E.C. Kellogg

This portrait is based on a daguerreotype in 1852, showing Sam Houston in his early sixties, standing with his arms crossed in a commanding pose. This image was later adapted into a lithograph by E.C. Kellogg, becoming one of the most widely recognized depictions of Houston. Despite being a hero of Texas’ independence, Houston was a staunch Unionist, famously opposing Texas’ secession from the United States. His steadfast commitment to national unity is best captured in his quote, “I wish no epitaph to be written to tell that I survived the ruin of this glorious Union.” When Texas ultimately seceded in 1861, Houston refused to take an oath of loyalty to the Confederacy and was removed as governor.

Theodore Roosevelt – The Original Teddy Bear

2024

COTTON RAG PAPER with Acylic Paint

30″x70″

1/1

Original Portrait: Photograph by George Gardner Rockwood, October 1898

Taken at the height of the Spanish-American War, this portrait captures a 39-year-old Theodore Roosevelt just before he led the Rough Riders’ famous charge up San Juan Hill. The war made Roosevelt a national hero, propelling him into politics, where he became Vice President in 1900 and later President in 1901 after the assassination of William McKinley. The image reflects his rugged determination, which became a defining trait of his presidency. It was around this time that Roosevelt refused to shoot a captive bear on a hunting trip, inspiring the creation of the teddy bear, one of the most enduring symbols associated with his name.

Hernán Cortés – The Scourge of Mexico

2023

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH 22 KARAT GOLD

25″x30″

1/1

Original Portrait: Hernán Cortés by an unknown artist, 16th century

This portrait is one of the earliest known depictions of Hernán Cortés, modeled after a likeness he sent to Paolo Giovio, an Italian historian who collected portraits of significant figures. Giovio’s version became the standardized template for most later representations of Cortés. Despite his pivotal role in conquering the Aztec Empire, Cortés spent much of his life fighting for recognition from the Spanish Crown, which often viewed him with suspicion. Though he amassed enormous wealth from the conquest, his obsession with gold defined his reputation—legend holds that the Aztecs once tried to appease him by filling a room with treasure, only for him to seize it all. In his later years, Cortés died alone and in debt, primarily forgotten in Spain despite having reshaped history.

Antonio López de Santa Anna – The Napoleon of the West

2023

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH 22 KARAT GOLD & ACYLIC PAINT

25″x30″

1/1

Original Portrait: Antonio López de Santa Anna by an unknown artist, circa 1850

This formal portrait of Santa Anna, housed in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Castle, presents him in full military regalia, symbolizing the power and authority he sought to project. Self-styled as the “Napoleon of the West,” Santa Anna ruled Mexico eleven times, though dramatic victories and crushing defeats defined his career. Most notably, Sam Houston defeated and captured him at the Battle of San Jacinto (1836), securing Texas’ independence. Known for his lavish lifestyle, he once held an elaborate military funeral for his amputated leg, which had been lost in battle. Despite his grand self-image, he spent much of his later life exiled and disgraced, dying in relative obscurity.

David Crockett – King of the Wild Frontier

2022

COTTON RAG PAPER with Acylic Paint

25″x30″

1/1

Original Portrait: Davy Crockett by Chester Harding, 1834

Davy Crockett sat for this portrait during his anti-Jacksonian speaking tour, where he promoted the Whig Party while visiting cities in the Northeast. The picture was painted in Boston, where contemporary descriptions praised his amiable expression and striking features, detailing his parted hair combed back into a slight curl at the neck. Crockett served in Congress then but had already become a folk hero known for his frontier exploits. Less than two years later, in 1836, he would die at the Battle of the Alamo, securing his place in Texas legend.

Sam Houston – Colonneh

2022

COTTON RAG PAPER with Acylic Paint

25″x30″

1/1

Original Portrait: Sam Houston by Martin Johnson Heade, 1846

This portrait was painted while Sam Houston served as a U.S. Senator from Texas, shortly after the Republic of Texas was annexed into the United States. Houston remains the only American to have served as governor of Tennessee and Texas. His close ties to the Cherokee, who adopted him as a young man, earned him the name “Colonneh” (The Raven), which he carried with him throughout his life. The painting reflects his statesmanlike presence, yet Houston was known for his unpredictable political career, at times embracing Texas independence, advocating for U.S. statehood, and later opposing secession, ultimately costing him his position as Texas governor.

Pop Art

This series reimagines iconic imagery, consumer culture, and bold symbols, merging historical references with a modern pop art lens. From classic branding to cultural traditions, these works offer a vibrant, contemporary take on familiar subjects.

RoRo Sphere

2024

ARCHIVAL INK PRINT ON 100% COT TON RAG PAPER

20″ Diameter

1/1

This piece is a tribute to the Amigo Man, a character popularized by the artist’s grandfather, Jonathan Woodruff Rogers, who served as the mayor of El Paso and deeply rooted himself in the city’s history. During his tenure, he distributed Amigo Man pins as a symbol of goodwill, making the cheerful figure a lasting emblem of hospitality and community in the Sun City. By reimagining it as RoRo, Lee Beach establishes it as the trademark of his work, honoring his grandfather’s legacy and keeping the tradition alive. This happy little sun continues to represent the warmth and vibrancy of El Paso, bridging past and present.

Hecho en México

2024

Screenprint on cotton paper

54″x54″

1/1

The “Hecho en México” logo was initially introduced in 1978 to promote Mexican-made products globally. Its bold eagle emblem is a nod to the national coat of arms, symbolizing strength and resilience. The phrase itself has since evolved beyond manufacturing—it is now a badge of cultural pride, representing Mexico’s influence in art, fashion, music, and industry worldwide.

Beasts of Vibrance, Bullring

2024

Screenprint on cotton paper

60″x80″

1/1

The bull symbolizes power, endurance, and resistance across civilizations, from Minoan Crete to Spanish bullfighting arenas. In Mexican culture, bullfighting, or la corrida de toros, was introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century, blending indigenous and European traditions into a highly controversial yet deeply ingrained spectacle.

Beasts of Vibrance, Cockpit

2024

Screenprint on cotton paper

60″x80″

1/1

For centuries, roosters have played a symbolic role in Mexican and global culture, representing strength, vigilance, and masculinity. In Mexican tradition, roosters are often associated with cockfighting, which dates back to pre-Columbian times and remains a cultural phenomenon in many regions. The rooster’s crow at dawn is a universal symbol of renewal and defiance, an image deeply embedded in folklore and artistic representation.

Butterfly Color Study

2022

ARCHIVAL INK PRINT ON 100% COT TON RAG PAPER

40″x40″

10/10

The butterfly has been a symbol of transformation across cultures for centuries, from the Aztecs associating them with souls of the dead to modern conservationists studying their migratory patterns. The Monarch butterfly, in particular, is famous for its multi-generational migration from Canada to Mexico, covering over 3,000 miles.

Old Blue & Red

2022

COTTON RAG PAPER with Silver & Red Glitter

18″x30″

10/10

In 1941, Lea collaborated with author J. Frank Dobie to illustrate The Longhorns, a comprehensive account of the history and significance of longhorn cattle in the American West. Longhorn cattle were first introduced to North America by Spanish settlers in the 16th century, and their distinctive, curved horns span up to seven feet from tip to tip. The Big Dipper constellation, featured in this work, has been a guiding symbol for travelers for centuries, linking the Texas frontier to the stars above.

Lone Ranger Halftone

2022

ARCHIVAL INK PRINT ON 100% COT TON RAG PAPER

21”x29” / 40”x55

10/10, 3/3

The Lone Ranger character first appeared in 1933 as a radio show before becoming a hit TV series in the 1950s. Though portrayed as a fictional Western hero, the Lone Ranger is believed to have been inspired by Bass Reeves, a formerly enslaved man who became one of the most legendary U.S. Marshals. The character’s catchphrase, “Hi-Yo, Silver!” remains one of the most famous in pop culture.

Cola Vistoso

2021

ARCHIVAL INK PRINT ON 100% COT TON RAG PAPER

54″x36″

10/10

Coca-Cola, originally marketed as a patented medicine in 1886, quickly became one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Its signature red and white color scheme has remained unchanged since the 1890s, solidifying its iconic status. In Mexico, Mexican Coke, made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, has developed a loyal following for its distinct taste and nostalgic glass bottle presentation.

Topo Chico Multiples

2020

ARCHIVAL INK PRINT ON 100% COT TON RAG PAPER

55″x44″

10/10

Topo Chico has been a staple of Mexican culture since 1895, long before becoming an international brand. The mineral water was named after Cerro del Topo Chico, a mountain in Monterrey, Mexico, where the water was first sourced. Over the decades, its logo has undergone eight redesigns. Yet, its name and distinct yellow label have remained unchanged, making it one of Latin America’s most recognizable beverage brands.

Collab Works

This series brings together Lee Beach and fellow artists, merging unique styles to create bold interpretations of cultural figures. These collaborations bridge artistic disciplines, blending historical influences with modern techniques.

Chicano Pancho – with Vice Roy

2022

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH ACRYLIC PAINT & BLACK PEN

20″x30″

1/1

Vice Roy brings a raw, expressive energy to his work, reminiscent of Basquiat’s frenetic mark-making. His art fuses pop culture with urban influences, using chaotic compositions to challenge traditional portraiture. 

Un Veterano Chingón – with Gaspar Enriquez

2023

COTTON RAG PAPER WITH 22 KARAT GOLD

32″x36″

1/1

Gaspar Enriquez is a Chicano art icon whose airbrushed portraits capture the soul of El Paso’s barrio culture. His hyper-realistic style gives voice to subjects often overlooked in mainstream art, portraying cholos and veteranos with dignity and power. A recipient of multiple NEA fellowships, Enriquez’s work is part of the Smithsonian and numerous national collections, solidifying his status as a pillar of contemporary Chicano art.

Agony n Ecstasy Ethereal Elegance – with Adalberto Sepulveda

2024

Layered Spray paint & Acylic Paint with gold leaf

38″x76″

1/1

Born and raised in El Paso, TX, Adalberto Sepulveda’s passion for art began in junior high. He was painting BMX and lowrider bikes, inspired by the vibrant custom cars he saw cruising the streets.

With no formal training, Sepulveda learned by studying car magazines and experimenting with paints. At 25, he opened his first shop, mastering custom automotive painting with candy paints, metal flakes, and gold leaf. His work gained recognition, leading to a career alongside top custom painters like Danny D. Now, he brings the same precision and energy to metal canvases, merging automotive artistry with fine art to create striking, shimmering pieces.