Troy Dalton
Posted on July 1, 2010 – 7:52 AM | by OldManFoster
Just as we approached deadline for this issue we got word that one of the region’s best known painters, Troy Dalton, had died. Dalton had a profound impact on the regional art scene and his work – and personality – will be greatly missed. We asked his friend Terry Hollowell for a few words. She provided the photos as well.
Troy Dalton died on Friday, June 18, 2010 in Yolo, California. He was born in Texas in 1952, and spent much of his life in many parts of the world, including Florida, New York City, and Japan, 
finally settling on California to study painting at grad school at UC Davis. There he stood out from the beginning as a man of simple means at a burgeoning time of feminism. He was the burr on the pantleg, the fly in the paint, the Devil’s advocate. Troy was a poet – he called himself a cowboy poet. The poems are sometimes stark, in contrast to the fantasy lives depicted in his paintings, the best of which contained women. He had an enormous mind, an endless curiosity, and a razor wit. Ranch hand, sailor, student, teacher, artist, collector of ephemera, and dumpster diver extraordinaire. And yes, Troy’s favorite – father to Aven and grandfather to Helene and Dahlia. No service is planned at this time, but a ‘big-ass party’ (Troy’s wish) is planned for some time in August. –Terry Hollowell
Tags: Terry Hollowell, Troy Dalton
7 Responses to “Troy Dalton”
By Annie Murphy-Robinson on Jul 1, 2010 | Reply
Never put off going to see an old friend. That is the gigantic regret that I will hold onto untill I can see Troy again and tell him how much his faith in me and in my art carried me through the last 10 years. I was one of his “Studio Bitches” in the early 2000’s. I showed up at his house every week for his technical advice and wisdom and drew, (after cleaning his kitchen which hadn’t been cleaned since the last time I was there!)That was how I earned my wall space and his unbroken attention. He was direct about my skills (and lack of!)and always pushed me to do what I was hesitant about. I often drew myself naked and stayed that way for hours in his house- and not once did he ever make me feel uncomfortable about it. Troy you will always be my sweet troll under the bridge.
By Adrienne Van Veen on Jul 5, 2010 | Reply
As Annie said, “never put off going to see an old friend.” I feel bad that I was unable to say good bye to my girlfriend (his words). I love Troy and will always remember his warm, sweet ways. He had a heart the size of Alaska. I was in touch with Troy via the phone and he always said, “I love you Adrienne.” And I am sure glad I always told him “I love you too, Troy.” Good bye sweet friend.
By Karissa Becker on Jul 7, 2010 | Reply
I have the same regret. Troy has been my favorite artist since I was ten years old and I saw his work at the crocker art museum. He has been a friend, a muse and an inspiration. I’ll never forget the hours of incredible conversation and his humor. I’ll miss modeling for him and listening to his stories of the past and religion and wondering if any of it were true 😛 Oh, Troy. I should have come by before I moved away again. It wasn’t your time….I wish you could know how much you mean to me.
By A.W.Worledge on Jul 9, 2010 | Reply
My god, how can he be gone. If Wayne Thiebaud taught me how to draw, this man taught me how to paint. I live in Memphis TN now and Troy has been on my mind for some time. Now I figure it was the Universe telling me something. I will miss this man like family. Thank you Troy for the ability to see things more clearly. You are a hero.
By Derek Deluco on Sep 9, 2010 | Reply
Deeply saddened does not begin to express how I feel after finding out that Troy is gone. I had not been in contact for a great deal of time, but always think about him, his work and the great and inspiring times I had with him. From before he moved into his Yolo studio, to helping him move in, and spending as much time there as possible. Modeling my hand or foot, great conversation, or shooting back and forth ideas for the building. since moving to New York in 1996, I have not been able to keep in contact as I wished. Troy was an inspiration, and I truly wish I would have been able to see him again. he was always best in person. Aven, I hope you have the Bug. I always though it suited you more than Troy.
By Pilar Menendez on Feb 23, 2011 | Reply
I am very sad you left before I said goodbye. I will miss you dear friend. Love. Pilar
By Stephanie on May 16, 2012 | Reply
Do you know where I can find out the value of some original Troy Dalton landscape pieces? I have 7 of them.
Thanks