Michael Frary (1918-2005) studied architecture and art in California until he took a position with the McNay Art Institute in San Antonio in 1949. Three years later he joined the art faculty of The University of Texas at Austin, where he remained until his retirement in 1986. He was a prolific artist who became a standard-bearer of mid-century modernism. Whether landscape, still-life, or architectural, his paintings often included a buildup of paint that made them intriguing for their texture alone. In addition, his watercolors of the Texas landscape were showcased in three published books. He was equally gifted in abstraction and representation, and his often imaginary scenes always gave the sense of being places one wished were real, and half felt actually were.

Michael Frary's art is very much in demand. Some of his pieces are available for sale at galleries such as Russell Tether in Dallas and Capital Fine Art in Austin. Since 1998, 109 of his works have sold at auction, with his acrylics commanding an average price of $3,429. His watercolors are popular but sell on average for rather less ($742). Frary's standing in the history of mid-century modern art seems secure. The purchase of his work gives every appearance of being a strong aesthetic and financial investment.