Alright, Alright, Alright & Welcome to Strait Country! Read on to learn about the inspiration for the one-of-a kind hand painted murals at Twelve K Ranch.
Because San Marcos is in the heart of Central Texas, a place rich in it’s history, landscape and art, it seemed only fitting that we pay homage to some of what makes this area unique in the style and furnishings of Pickett Place. Our hope is that the home is filled with families and friends creating lifelong memories playing games, listening to music and enjoying the outdoors either at the property or in the city – so we wanted the game room at Pickett Place to enhance that vibe. One of the greatest draws of San Marcos is the river. In fact, most Twelve K Ranch guests discover us while planning their annual floating voyage. Hence, why the mural backdrop is the Rio Vista Falls Dam located in Rio Vista Park. The “rapids” or “falls” or “waterfall” as it’s often referred to is the most iconic image of the San Marcos river.
Believe it or not, Central TX was a lot sleepier of an area than it is today. Long before Austin cemented it’s spot on the top 5 national lists like “Best Places to Live & Work” and “Fastest Growing U.S. Cities,” San Marcos was home to small, unassuming watering holes like Cheatham Street Warehouse and country music singers trying to catch a break, like a native Texan native George Strait – and, thankfully, both are still around.
The left side of the mural features a young country music superstar – George Strait. He’s easily one of Texas’ main sources of pride & joy, especially here in San Marcos where he attended Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State) & paid his dues, backed by his Ace in the Hole Band, at the Cheatham Street Warehouse starting in 1975.
Speaking of Universities, less than 40 miles north is the University of Texas. UT alum & TX native, Matthew McConaughey, made his mark on the acting world in the 1993 film Dazed & Confused, which was filmed at many notable sites throughout Austin. Other notable McConaughey films include: A Time to Kill (1996), The Wedding Planner (2001), How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003), Magic Mike (2012), and the film for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor, Dallas Buyers Club (2013). McConaughey is a sideline staple at UT home football games and resides in Austin with his wife, Camila Alves and their three children where he is a minority owner of the Major League Soccer Team, Austin FC. Here in TX, we think he’s “Alright, Alright, Alright” & then some.
While you are staying at Pickett Place, grab a guitar or a cowboy hat off the game room wall and snap a photo in front of this Central Texas artistic masterpiece. Be sure to tag us too: Facebook/Instagram.
The Butterfly Barn: We wanted guests to enjoy interactive photo opportunities at the property and create something that would one day be synonymous with Twelve K Ranch. When it came to deciding what would be featured on the grounds, we wanted to ensure that it was something that spoke to all ages and the various types groups we host at Twelve K Ranch. While we tossed around ideas of inspiring quotes and life-sized imagery, we couldn’t help put notice that every time we walked the short path from the white fence to the barn we were greeted by small swarms of butterflies. And so, the name butterfly barn was coined. Standing 10 feet by 12 feet, it brings so much color and splendor to the premises and is a perfect backdrop when swimming in the refreshing pool on a hot, TX day. We love seeing pictures of folks young and old standing in front of the wings. And, the coolest part is, the morning after it was painted, this picture was captured of the sun rising to create the head of the butterfly. It was a splendid surprise that validated the artistic choice. We also had a series of butterflies painted on the adjacent shed so kiddos staying at the property could get photos with child-sized wings. 🦋
The Artist: Austin Sepulveda of Osten Art is the San Marcos local artist behind these masterpieces. It was important to us that not only the subject matter of the murals be local, but the artist that created them to be too!
Founded in 2010, Osten Art brings art in nature to a new level. Austin has refined his style and skills to handle even the largest projects. With experience in live painting for bands like Slightly Stoopid and The Expendables, to hand lettering store fronts and restaurants in downtown Austin, he has built a career and foundation in the Texas Hill Country.
“My art is about changing the way people see the world around them. Every day, we’re surrounded by countless objects that seem mundane or ordinary, things we barely notice as we go about our daily lives. Even the most beautiful things, like flowers, are often taken for granted, their intricate details and subtle beauty overlooked. Through the use of large-scale murals, I seek to capture the attention of viewers and immerse them in the beauty of the world around us. By bringing the observer eye to eye with the stem of a leaf or the inside of a rose petal, I hope to create an experience that is both immersive and enlightening. My work is about seeing the world from a new perspective, exploring its intricacies and celebrating the richness of its textures and colors. Through my art, I invite viewers to slow down, take a closer look, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day.”
