Wyatt McSpadden
A native of Amarillo, Wyatt began his career there in 1974 as the photographer for eccentric arts patron Stanley Marsh 3. McSpadden photographed the creation of Marsh's Cadillac Ranch and chronicled the work's evolution from local curiosity to state landmark.
In 1992 he moved to Austin and turned his focus to editorial photography. His portraits have appeared in scores of publications nationwide, most notably Texas Monthly, where he is a contributing photographer. His iconic photograph of Beyonce wearing a Willie Nelson Tshirt and bandana graced the cover the April 2004 issue of Texas Monthly, and was included in our December 2024 BDG Evening of Art show.
Wyatt's work resides in the permanent collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Southwestern & Mexican Photography Collection of the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University in San Marcos, the Amarillo Museum of Art, and in the homes of many private collectors. McSpadden's photography has garnered awards from professional stalwarts such as the Society of Publication Designers, Communication Arts, and the Print Regional Design Annual.
His 2009 book, Texas BBQ (University of Texas Press)—a photographic celebration of classic Texas barbecue joints—is in its third printing. McSpadden's follow-up volume, Texas BBQ: Small Town to Downtown (University of Texas Press), was released in 2018.
Beyonce, photograph, 30 × 25, hanging in the BDG studio
A series of portraits of Beyonce, Willie Nelson and his guitar, Trigger, as well as music photographs from a 1990s trip to Mississippi line the BDG hallway.
Interested in purchasing a piece by Wyatt McSpadden?
Apr. 2004 issue of Texas Monthly