Life on the Ranch and in the Studio, and on the Road

This year has been a year of adjustment for me as an artist.

Because of the cost of materials, distance to foundries and ability to get work done at the foundry in Oklahoma, I decided to put up the clay and start painting in pastel. This was a difficult decision, but I think it is the right one for me at this time. I will tell you of my musings. 

I have had great success selling my sculptures in the gallery scene and at shows. But all of the galleries who represented me in the past closed during or shortly after Covid. Because of the closing of two of my major galleries, I have inventory that is for sale here at the studio.

I do have two new galleries, one in Woodward, Oklahoma , the LRHill Studio/Gallery on Main Street and the Carriage Factory Art Gallery on Sixth street in Newton Kansas. Both of these galleries carry my paintings and sculpture. I also have a gallery in Pawhuska on Kiehekah; Sunset Ridge Gallery where they carry my sculptures. 

Because I have a huge inventory, I have many sculptures in my Studio that can be purchased at a 30% discount just in time for Christmas gifting. If you are interested in any of my sculptures, now is a great time to purchase directly from me. Most of these sculptures have earned awards in various National Shows. I would be glad to help you with your purchase from my studio. 

The above painting is a commission piece that I did recently for a collector who wanted a gift got her grandson who is earning his Eagle Scout designation. She had purchased original art for each of the four older grandsons when they earned their Eagle designation. I am quite honored she asked me to create this piece for her grandson on his elevation to Eagle Scout. 

I am also teaching private lessons to two adults who come to my studio. One is just beginning to learn to draw and is very motivated to learn. You are never too old to take up drawing. I'm certain she will progress to watercolor or pastels very quickly. She picks very difficult subjects to draw. It is really best to start simple and then work up to more difficult subjects, but she is fearless and I love her attitude.

My other student is quite the challenge for me as she is also quite motivated, also. She like many women, had a professional career that got in the way of her desire to pursue art as a career. After retirement,  she made a promise to herself to take up painting.  It was a great time to pick up the brush and create paintings that one is proud of. She wanted to be the best she can be as she had done some painting on her own. She knew she needed help, but where to start? That is where I came in. We are painting and learning together. Honestly, I learn as much by teaching someone as they learn from me. 

I had a guest artist while back who wanted to take up pastels. She is a very accomplished artist in graphite but wanted to transition from pencil to pastels. She is already making great strides by getting her first pastel accepted in a national competition.  She just needed some pointers and was inquisitive about what materials to get and where to get them. I was able to pass on great information that had been supplied to me not that long ago from several artists who graciously shared their infomation with me. It is so gratigying to share information with each other. 

If you want to take lessons, I am a retired high school art teacher and became a professional artist after I retired. I would love to help you on your artistic journey. If you are needing a Christmas gift, I have many sizes and subjects covered in pastel paintings or in sculpture. Pastels are generally sold unframed so you can pick out the frame you want. I can also help guide you in that regard. 

I hope this note finds you all well. I will try to be more regular with my postings and will share my progress in revamping my studio space from clay to pastel. 

Have a good one! Merry Christmas! 

All my best,

Burneta