The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this podcast series, Museum Executive Direct Darrell Beauchamp visits with the artists who work in this western heritage to talk about their work, the legacy of Western Art and why talking about it is so important today. In this episode, Darrell visits Todd Connor, member of Cowboy Artists of America. 

Todd Connor, a former Navy Seal, has now successfully carved a niche for himself in the realm of art as a member of the Cowboy Artists of America, with his work featured in significant exhibitions such as the 41st Annual Roundup Exhibition and the Museum of Western Art. His transition from the military to the art world signifies a journey of self-discovery and exploration. Following his departure from the service, Todd embarked on travels across the country, delving into history and art galleries, ultimately leading him to his newfound career as an artist. He identifies the creativity and adaptability he honed during his time as a warrior as crucial attributes that have served him in his artistic endeavors. This transition demonstrates an intriguing and unique origin story, highlighting the diverse experiences and talents individuals can possess.

Highlights Include

·      Genre-inspired Artistic Growth and Development

·      Warrior's Journey: From Navy SEAL to Artist

·      Balancing Act: Completing Paintings with Precision

·      Inspirational Artists Across Time and Styles

·      Preserving the Legacy of Western Art

·      Authenticity in Art: Honoring Historical Accuracy

·      Continuous Creative Development Through Learning Journeys

Resources

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Todd Connor Studio

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in collecting, preserving, and promoting Western Heritage and our diverse audiences’ education and cultural enrichment. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this podcast series, Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp visits with the artists who work in this Western heritage to talk about their work, the legacy of Western Art, and why talking about it is so important today. In this episode, Darrell visits a member of the Cowboy Artists of America, Brandon Bailey.

Brandon Bailey, a Cowboy Artist of America member with over 16 years of professional artistry, is known for his focus on Russian impressionism. He has received recognition from numerous esteemed figures in the art world. Moreover, he has participated in significant exhibitions and programs and leverages his social media presence to share his artistic journey. Bailey’s perspective on his membership in the Cowboy Artist of America stems from a transformative journey that required hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. He values the opportunities provided by the organization, such as scholarships and mentorships, that have fostered his growth as an artist. Additionally, rather than concentrating solely on personal success, Bailey emphasizes adherence to the mission and vision of the Cowboy Artist of America, reflecting his profound respect for the traditions and values of the cowboy art community.

Highlights Include:

Resources

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Brandon Bailey Fine Art

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in collecting, preserving, and promoting Western Heritage and our diverse audiences’ education and cultural enrichment. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this podcast series, Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp visits with the artists who work in this Western heritage to talk about their work, the legacy of Western Art, and why talking about it is so important today.

In this episode, Darrell visits with Catherine McIntye and Lee Ann Whatley, the two women most responsible for the most recent Museum exhibit, Glory and Grime: The Art of Susanne Vincent.

Catherine McIntye, renowned for rescuing her mother’s artwork from Hurricane Laura’s aftermath and daughter of Susanne Vincent, together with Lee Ann Whatley, a skilled artist, curator, and documenter, hold distinctive perspectives on the “Glory and Grime” exhibition. McIntye views the exhibition as deeply personal, a tribute to her mother’s legacy, and a testament to the resilience she witnessed amidst the hardships faced in the Gulf Coast region. Her involvement in salvaging and restoring her mother’s artwork after the hurricane led to the birth of this exhibition, reshaping the narrative of Western art. Whatley sees the exhibition as a unique showcase of Susanne Vincent’s non-traditional, emotive artwork. Drawing from her diversified background and appreciation for the harmony of nature and country life, Whatley acknowledges the exhibition as honoring the story of the Gulf Coast of Texas, cattle ranching, and the representation of a strong woman in that environment.

Highlights Include: 

Resources

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western art is as engaging and important as ever. In this podcast series, Museum Executive Direct Darrell Beauchamp visits with the artists who work in this western heritage to talk about their work, the legacy of Western Art and why talking about it is so important today. In this episode, Darrell visits Harold T. Holden, known to his friends as ‘H’ and his work in sculpture. Harold passed away before this episode could be posted so our podcast today begins with a tribute to Harold T. Holden by Darrell and Jason Scull.

Holden, a renowned sculptor, discovered his passion for sculpting through his deep-rooted connection to horses and cowboy and Indian themes, which were a significant part of his upbringing. His perspective on his sculpting career is deeply influenced by his love for horses and the cowboy way of life, a love that was instilled in him by his father, who raised horses. Tragically, his father passed away when Harold was young, but this loss only served to deepen his connection to the equine subjects of his work. Transitioning from painting to sculpting in 1974, Holden has since created numerous sculptures, including monumental pieces that have earned him a reputation as a world-class sculptor. Despite his success, he remained humble, he was always constantly striving for improvement in his art and drew inspiration from the gear and artifacts of the cowboy world that fill his studio. 

Highlights Include:

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Harold T. Holden Western Artist

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this podcast series, Museum Executive Direct Darrell Beauchamp visits with the artists who work in this western heritage to talk about their work, the legacy of Western Art and why talking about it is so important today. In this episode, Darrell visits with Texas-based artist Carol Arnold, who specializes in pastel landscapes.

Carol identifies as a pastelist with a deep emotional connection to her work, often drawing inspiration from the rugged environment and character of West Texas. Her favorite subjects include clouds, landscapes, wildlife, and flowers, and she enjoys working in various sizes, with her favorite being anywhere from eleven x 14 to 24 x 36. Carol's disciplined approach to her craft, coupled with her love for plein air painting, allows her to capture the emotional essence of landscapes using pastels. Join Darrell Beauchamp and Carol Arnold on this episode of "It's art, let's talk about it" to delve deeper into their artistic journeys and perspectives.

Highlights Include:

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Carol Arnold Fine Art

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this podcast series, Museum Executive Direct Darrell Beauchamp visits with the artists who work in this western heritage to talk about their work, the legacy of Western art, and why talking about it is so important today. In this episode, Darrell visits with New Mexico artist CS (Steve) Talley.

CS (Steve) Talley is a self-taught artist with over 34 years of experience, specializing in western nocturne paintings. His passion for astronomy and love for landscapes inspired him to start painting nocturnes, particularly after being captivated by a painting featuring illuminated adobe buildings in a nighttime scene by artist Will Sparks. Talley's journey into the art world began later in life, after pursuing a degree in astronomy and physics and developing an interest in the history of the American West through his involvement in mountain men reenactments. His nocturne paintings, which make up a significant portion of his yearly sales, beautifully capture the beauty of the night. Join Darrell Beauchamp and CS (Steve) Talley on this episode of "It's art, let's talk about it" to delve deeper into Talley's unique artistic journey and his stunning nocturne paintings.

Highlights Include:

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

C.S. Talley Fine Art

 The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this podcast series, Museum Executive Direct Darrell Beauchamp visits with the artists who work in this western heritage to talk about their work, the legacy of Western Art and why talking about it is so important today. In this episode, Darrell visits with Arizona artist and member of Cowboy Artists of America, Rod Riddick.

Ron Riddick, a member of the Cowboy Artist of America for over two decades, has spent his life pursuing a balance between commercial success and artistic integrity. Raised by an art director father and influenced by renowned artists like John Singer Sargent and George Bellows, Riddick's artistic journey has been shaped by a variety of experiences and influences. His perspective on this journey is that it is ongoing, emphasizing the importance of pleasing the art spirit within oneself and constantly learning and growing. Despite his numerous awards and recognition, Riddick believes that thinking one has arrived leaves no room for further growth. He also discusses the development of his own artistic style, which is a combination of influences from other artists and his own personality and tools. Join Darrell Beauchamp and Ron Riddick on this episode of It's art let's talk about it to delve deeper into Riddick's artistic journey and his perspective on balancing commercial success and artistic integrity.

Highlights Include 

·      Childhood Inspiration: Ron's Artistic Journey Begins

·      The balancing act of artistic integrity

·      Ron Riddick's Love for Western Culture

·      The Enriching Influence of Western Culture

·      Capturing Sunlight: Ron's Inspiration 

·      The Profound Impact of Art on Emotions and Memories

·      Capturing the Essence of Changing Seasons

·      The enduring beauty of museum art

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Ron Riddick, Cowboy Artists of America

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this podcast series, Museum Executive Direct Darrell Beauchamp visits with the artists who work in this western heritage to talk about their work, the legacy of Western Art and why talking about it is so important today. In this episode, Darrell visits with Nebraska artist Rachel Brownlee.

Rachel Brownlee has captured the attention of art enthusiasts with her remarkable talent and unique perspective. Despite discovering her passion for drawing later in life, Brownlee has achieved significant success in the art world, including winning Best of Show at the prestigious Mountain Oyster Club show. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and highlights the importance of perseverance and finding the right opportunities to showcase one's talent.

Brownlee draws inspiration from her Western lifestyle, depicting horses, cattle, and the people she encounters in her daily life. Her style leans towards realism, but she aims to convey her unique perspective rather than replicate a photograph. Through her art, she captures the inherent beauty of the Western lifestyle that is still alive today, showcasing the authenticity and timelessness of this way of life.

One of the key factors that have contributed to Brownlee's success is her participation in art competitions and her presence on online platforms. These avenues have provided her with opportunities to showcase her talent, connect with others in the industry, and gain exposure to a wider audience. Winning Best of Show at the Mountain Oyster Club show was a significant milestone in her career, validating her talent and opening doors to further opportunities.

Looking ahead, Brownlee's journey is far from over. At just 30 years old, she has many years of drawing ahead of her, and she is already contemplating changes and new directions for her art. Her dedication to continuous learning and historical education adds depth and authenticity to her work, allowing her to depict her subjects with a deep understanding and personal connection.

Rachel Brownlee's late-blooming journey to success serves as a reminder that it is never too late to pursue one's passion. Her story highlights the importance of perseverance, finding the right opportunities, and staying true to one's unique perspective. Through her art, she brings the Western lifestyle to life, capturing its beauty and timelessness for all to see.

Resources

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Rachel Brownlee Fine Art

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this podcast series, Museum Executive Direct Darrell Beauchamp visits with the artists who work in this western heritage to talk about their work, the legacy of Western Art and why talking about it is so important today. In this episode, Darrell visits with Utah artist Rick Kennington.

Utah painter Rick Kennington has captivated art enthusiasts with his unique blend of contemporary cowboy scenes and Utah's pioneer history. In a recent episode of the podcast "It's art, let's talk about it," hosted by Darrell Beauchamp, Kennington shared his journey from a career in parks maintenance to becoming a full-time artist. With the support of his wife and the encouragement of early collectors, Kennington made the transition and has since become a prominent figure in the art world. Kennington's artistic style has evolved over time, drawing inspiration from various artists and the Western genre. He is particularly drawn to artists who can paint accurately and representational art, while still creating a sense of effortlessness and minimal brushwork. His aim is to create artwork that is both recognizable and pleasing to the eye.

Rick Kennington's journey to western-inspired artistry in Utah is a testament to his passion, dedication, and continuous growth as an artist. His ability to balance contemporary cowboy scenes with Utah's pioneer history showcases his versatility and artistic range. As Kennington continues to evolve and refine his style, art enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing the next chapter of his artistic journey. The podcast episode concludes with Beauchamp expressing his excitement for Kennington's future in the art world. He encourages listeners to visit Kennington's exhibitions and follow his career, as he believes it will be a joy to watch his artistic journey unfold.

Resources

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Rick Kennington Fine Art

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage and the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences. The Museum serves as a bridge between the past and the present, ensuring that the legacy of the American West will be preserved for the future. Western Art is as engaging and important as ever. In this podcast series, Museum Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp visits with the artists who work in this Western heritage to talk about their work, the legacy of Western Art, and why talking about it is so important today. In this episode, Darrell visits with Mark McKenna.

Mark McKenna's journey into the art world was not predetermined but evolved over time, starting from his high school years. Initially planning to become a dentist, McKenna was convinced by a professor and professional illustrator to pursue his passion for art. This decision set him on a path that would lead to his evolution from an art teacher to a renowned wildlife artist.

McKenna's love for art was evident from a young age. In high school, he recognized that he would make art for his entire life. However, the idea of making a living as an artist seemed far-fetched, as he observed that most artists were struggling financially. With a desire to provide for a family, McKenna initially planned to become a dentist. It was during his time at Brigham Young University, Idaho, that a professor and professional illustrator recognized his talent and convinced him to pursue a career in art.

 Resources

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Mark McKenna on Instagram