Audley Dean Nicols has been one of my favorites artists since I discovered his work over 25 years ago. Being the proud owner of 3 museum quality pieces by him, I have much to enjoy! His landscape realism is “best of class” in my opinion. Not until this wonderful book by Thomas Duke was published did I know much about the painter. It is the complete life story of one of the great desert painters of Texas and Arizona. This complete history of the person has been fascinating to read. Audley Dean Nicols is a rare talent and I am very grateful to Thomas for bringing this artist to light so we can enjoy the man behind the paintings.