Darrel Austin, an Oregon artist who gained a national reputation, was born in Raymond, Washington on June 25, 1907. His family moved to Portland in 1909. As a young adult, he attended the University of Portland, where he studied with Emil Jacques, a Flemish artist. He took private lessons in Jacques's studio, and it was there that Austin met Charles Heaney and C.S. Price, two Oregon artists who had a great influence on his work.

In 1927, Austin began his career as a commercial artist with the Kleeb Art Service. He assisted Jacques with a mural commission for St. Mary's Cathedral in Portland and accompanied him to South Bend, Indiana, to complete the commission. Returning to Portland, he was hired for the Works Progress Administration...