E.M. “Buck” Schiwetz, born in Cuero, Texas, was interested in art from an early age, his fascination cultivated by his mother whose pencil drawings served as a model for the young Schiwetz. During adolescence, Schiwetz developed his life-long habit of recording his surroundings in sketches. After earning his degree in architecture, Schiwetz studied lithography and etching at the Art Students League in New York. He returned to Texas where he became an art director and successful partner in the Houston advertising agency of Franke, Wilkinson and Schiwetz. His architectural sketches soon earned him offers from both Anderson-Clayton and Humble Oil and Refining Company (now Exxon). The Humble Way, a magazine established in 1945, featured Schiwetz’s sketches and watercolors of the areas of operation. The popularity of his work prompted the company to publish the first Texas Sketchbook containing well-known Schiwetz drawings in 1952. In addition to company sponsorship, Schiwetz continued to sketch on his own and began painting scenic images of ships, oil derricks, and cotton gins. He was fascinated with history and avidly encouraged the preservation of historic houses, often painting them in various media. Schiwetz was designated Texas State Artist by the 1977–78 Texas Legislature. The Houston Art League honored Schiwetz in a festive tribute the year before his death.