Tag: Darrell Beacuchamp

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It's art

It’s art, let’s talk about it – Mark McKenna, Paint What You Love

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.

The professor’s advice resonated with McKenna, and he realized that he could create beautiful things as an artist instead of working in people’s mouths. This revelation changed the course of his life, and he decided to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration. As he got closer to graduation, McKenna also double majored in art education, which eventually led him to become a high school art teacher.

Teaching art allowed McKenna to combine his love for art with education. For eight years, he taught high school art, with seven of those years spent in Cody, Wyoming. This location proved to be a perfect fit for McKenna, as it provided him with inspiration from the wildlife and natural beauty of the area. Teaching also provided him with financial stability, allowing him to focus on his art without the pressure of making sales.

During his teaching years, McKenna attended a workshop with renowned wildlife artist Greg Beecham, who became his mentor. This workshop proved to be a turning point in McKenna’s career. The guidance and inspiration he received from Beecham elevated the quality of his work and ignited his passion for wildlife art. Over the next five years, McKenna built his art career, attending shows and making connections in the art world.

In 2018, McKenna made the decision to transition from teaching to becoming a full-time working artist. This transition was smooth, thanks to the foundation he had built during his teaching years and the mentorship of Greg Beecham. McKenna’s art career continued to flourish, with each year bringing new opportunities and growth.

Recognition at the Museum of Western Art was a significant milestone for McKenna. His work is displayed in galleries like Astoria Fine Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and his website, MarkMcKennaStudios.com, provides a platform for art enthusiasts to explore and purchase his artwork. McKenna’s success can be attributed to his dedication to painting what he loves, painting often, and finishing what he starts.

In addition to his artistic skills, McKenna emphasizes the importance of effective self-marketing for artists. He utilizes social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase his work and connect with his audience. McKenna also understands the importance of proper framing and hanging of artwork, as it can significantly impact the presentation and professionalism of the piece.

Looking to share his knowledge and experience with other artists, McKenna is currently creating an online course that focuses on teaching artists how to utilize Photoshop, various aspects of the painting process, and the business side of art. This course will provide aspiring artists with valuable insights and practical skills to navigate the art world.

Mark McKenna’s evolution from an art teacher to a renowned wildlife artist is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and seeking guidance from mentors. His dedication to his craft, combined with his ability to balance teaching and art, has allowed him to create a successful career in the art world. McKenna’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists, reminding them to paint what they love, seek mentorship, and embrace the opportunities that come their way.

 Resources

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Mark McKenna on Instagram

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It's art

It’s art, let’s talk about it – Herman Walker’s Artistic Journey and Transition Across Mediums

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 Herman Walker.

A well-known painter and sculptor, Herman Walker has had a fascinating artistic journey filled with experimentation, mentorship, and a switch between various media. Walker provided insights into his creative process and the factors that have shaped his career in a recent episode of the podcast “It’s Art, Let’s Talk About It,” which Darrell Beauchamp hosts.

Walker’s artistic journey began in college when he discovered his passion for sculpture. In 1972 and 1973, he successfully cast his first bronze sculptures, setting the stage for his future artistic endeavors. However, Walker’s artistic exploration continued beyond sculpture. He also delved into other mediums, such as sketching, painting, and watercolor.

One of the key factors that shaped Walker’s artistic journey was his early influences and mentors. Tom Ryan, in particular, played a significant role in guiding Walker and offering valuable advice. Walker emphasized the importance of learning through experience, stating, “So many of us, as we go through life, find that the best experience is just by doing it and doing lots and lots of it.” Walker relied on experimentation and learning from other artists who needed formal training to improve his craft.

Walker’s desire for greater control and detail, particularly when portraying the cowboy way of life, motivated his switch from watercolor to oil painting. He found that oils were more conducive to achieving the desired level of detail. While watercolors allowed for a looser style, oils provided the opportunity to capture the intricacies of the gear, tack, and cowboys. Walker’s dedication to accuracy and admiration for artists who work in a tighter style influenced his artistic choices.

Throughout his career, Walker actively participated in numerous Western art shows in the 70s and 80s, expanding his audience and gaining recognition. This period was an exciting time for the Western art field, with a vibrant market and ample opportunities for artists. Walker had the privilege of showing his work alongside some of the best artists in the industry, thanks to invitations to prestigious shows.

However, the late 80s brought a downturn in the art market, leading Walker to explore other careers. Despite this setback, his passion for art never waned. In 2008, he returned to the art world, utilizing online marketing to reach a wider audience. Walker emphasized the importance of personal engagement in online marketing and encouraged young artists to understand the challenges they may face.

Walker’s dedication to his craft is evident in his work ethic. He acknowledged that putting in long hours and extra effort is necessary when he is truly excited about a project. This commitment to capturing the essence of the cowboy lifestyle and telling a story through his art sets Walker apart.

In conclusion, various factors—including early influences, mentorship, experimentation, and market trends—have shaped Herman Walker’s artistic journey and transition across mediums. His dedication to capturing the essence of the cowboy lifestyle and meticulous attention to detail have made him a respected Western artist. Walker’s story inspires aspiring artists, highlighting the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and adapting to changing circumstances in the art world.

To explore Herman Walker’s artwork, visit his website at hermanwalker.com or search for “Herman Walker artist” online.

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Herman Walker

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let's talk about it

It’s Art, Let’s Talk About It – Jason Scull

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of 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 inaugural episode of “It’s Art, Let’s Talk About It,” host Darrell Beauchamp interviews sculptor Jason Scull and talks about how he got started in sculpting and how his mother’s encouragement helped his artistry blossom. Despite his family’s farming and ranching background, Jason found solace and inspiration in art. He explains how his journey into sculpting began with a simple question at a museum, leading to an exciting and fulfilling career.

Jason primarily sculpts cows, horses, and Hispanic subjects, denoting Texas culture and regional work. The podcast explores the significance of mentorship and the responsibility of successful artists to give back, including Jason’s work with the Western Art Academy. The hosts also touch on the history and future of the Cowboy Artists of America organization and provide useful advice for aspiring artists. Listen in as Jason and Darrell dive deep into the world of visual art in this exciting and enlightening conversation. If you’ve ever been interested in sculpting or art, this episode is a must-listen.

Here are three tips to keep in mind:

1. Believe in yourself – Jason’s story is an inspiring example of how believing in yourself and your abilities can lead to amazing opportunities. Don’t be afraid to take chances and explore new paths.

2. Find inspiration in unexpected places – Sometimes, inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places. Jason’s chance question at a museum led to his passion for sculpting. Keep an open mind and let yourself be inspired by the world around you.

3. Practice, practice, practice – Jason didn’t become a talented sculptor overnight. It took years of hard work and dedication. Whatever your passion may be, remember that practice and persistence are key to improving.

As Jason says: “The circuitous route our lives take at times takes us to strange places.” Listen to this episode to learn more about Jason’s incredible journey and how his love of sculpting has helped him find fulfillment in life.

 Resources

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Jason Scull