Tag: Museum of Western Art

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It’s art, let’s talk about it: Western Art Chronicles – A Journey with Dr. Michael Duchemin

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 award-winning 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 Dr. Michael Duchemin, an esteemed art historian and museum professional.

The discussion spans Duchemin’s illustrious career, from his academic beginnings at Arizona State University to his pivotal roles at the Autry Museum, Briscoe Museum, and the C.M. Russell Museum. Dr. Duchemin offers fascinating insights into the world of Western American fine art, detailing his experiences with influential figures, the challenges of art preservation, and his transition to museum consulting and art appraising.

Listeners will gain a deep understanding of the evolution of Western art, the dynamics of exhibitions, and the significance of professional relationships in the art world as well as Duchemin’s future projects and aspirations.

Highlights Include:

  • Michael’s Early Career and Education
  • Journey Through Various Museums
  • The Autry Museum Experience
  • Challenges and Changes at the Russell Museum
  • Transition to the Briscoe Museum
  • New Ventures in Art Appraisal and Consulting

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Connect with Dr. Michael Duchemin in the following:

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Texas Hill Country Podcast Network Wins 3 Prestigious Podcast Awards

The Texas Hill Country Podcast Network was recently honored as a triple winner of the 30th Annual Communicator Awards. The three podcasts honored this year were From Last to First: The John Aceti Story, which received an award of Excellence in the Documentary category; The Texas Hill Country Artist Podcast, which received an award of Excellence in the Art and Culture category; and the Museum of Western Art’s podcast It’s Art, Let’s Talk About It, which received an award of Distinction Arts and Culture category.

The Communicator Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the podcast industry. It is awarded by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA). The Communicator Awards is the largest and most competitive awards program honoring creative excellence for communications professionals. The Texas Hill Country Podcast Network competed against over 3,000 entries received from across the US and around the world.

Lauren Angeloni, AIVA Managing Director, said of this year’s selections, “The entries into this season of The Communicator Awards were a great representation of our three decades celebrating innovation and creativity in all forms of communication. I couldn’t have wished for a more diverse and brilliant body of work to be placed in our jurors’ capable hands. I want to congratulate all of the honorees for their well-deserved wins.”

The Texas Hill Country Podcast Network was founded in 2022 to tell stories about the businesses, people, and places that make Texas Hill Country unique. The Texas Hill Country Podcast Network currently has 15 different podcasts. Gilbert Paiz, a co-founder of the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network, said, “The idea for the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network was born from the desire for us to help businesses, people, and organizations to tell their story cost-effectively and compellingly. Every business and organization has a story; there is no better way to relay that story than through a podcast. The three Communicator Awards confirm that a podcast, even from a rural podcast network, is effective and can spread the message of any organization or business far and wide.”

The three award-winning podcasts each have a different focus. The Museum of Western Art’s podcast It’s Art, let’s Talk About It is hosted by Darrell Beauchamp, Executive Director of the Museum of Western Art. He interviews nationally known Western artists who have exhibited at the Museum. The Texas Hill Country Podcast Network produces and distributes the podcast. Beauchamp said, “We are honored to be working with the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network on the production of our award-winning podcast “It’s Art, Let’s Talk About It.”  They make it easy to produce, distribute, and market our podcast. Quite frankly, without the expertise of the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network folks, there would be no podcast for the Museum of Western Art. They are the leaders in the podcast industry, especially here in the Texas Hill Country.”

The Texas Hill Country Artist Podcast features artists local to the Hill Country. Andrew Gay, a co-founder of the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network, said, “The Texas Hill Country Artists Podcast is proof that there are exceptional artists with vibrant stories right here in our backyard. In a world of Joe Rogan’s and larger-than-life Podcasts that intentionally market to a National or Global audience, The Hill Country Artists Podcast officially captures and breathes life into the voices of the local, rural artists and their respective stories. Podcasting for these artists can help them better market themselves within their respective markets as well as help them develop a legacy story about their artistic works.”

Diane Eixman, a local artist who was one of the inspirations to start the podcast, said, “A huge “Thank you” to Tom Fox for supporting the arts and the artist of the Texas Hill Country with his podcast ‘Texas Hill Country Artist.’ His interviewing style is thorough, but he has an incredible knack for making the interviewee feel right at home and like they are speaking with their best friend! I am so thankful for his support, encouragement, and the opportunity given to educate the public through his podcast.”

The podcast, From Last to First: The John Aceti Story was a passion project of another co-founder, Tom Fox. Fox hosted and produced the entire series. Aceti has long wanted to tell his life story, so Fox proposed a 10-part podcast series. Fox provided Aceti with the transcript from each episode, which Aceti then used to form the basis of a chapter in his autobiography, published last fall. Fox said of this podcast series, “Unfortunately, we lost John Aceti earlier this year, but his life and his story live on through this podcast and his autobiography. People literally from Chile to Sweden emailed me to tell me how inspired they were by John Aceti’s story. Working with John was one of the highlights of my professional career.”

Two other Texas Hill Country Podcast Network podcasts have previously won Communicator Awards. The podcast The Night Sky, Two Eclipses Come to Kerrville told the story about the two annular and solar eclipses that came in Kerrville in 2023 and 2024, an award of Excellence in the category Science in 2023. The Hill Country Podcast won a prize of Distinction in the Lifestyles category in 2022 for its episode on ‘The Cookie Lady,’ Julia Cardioshinsky.

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It's art

It’s art, let’s talk about it: Todd Connor – Unveiling The Spirit of The American West

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

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It's art

It’s art, let’s talk about it – Brandon Bailey on Shaping Art Through Personal Experiences

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:

  • Preserving Western Art Tradition Through Prestigious Membership
  • Elevating Artistic Excellence Through Community Support
  • Balanced Artistic Collaborations for Business Success
  • Artist-Led Workshops Inspiring Creativity and Growth
  • Preserving Western Art Through Educational Initiatives
  • Quality Over Quantity in Artistic Legacy
  • Museum Exhibitions: Showcasing Talent and Perseverance

Resources

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Brandon Bailey Fine Art

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It's art

It’s art, let’s talk about it – Catherine McIntye and Lee Ann Whatley on The Art of Susanne Vincent

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 Catherine McIntye and Lee Ann Whatley, the two women 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: 

  • Ranching Life Through Susanne Vincent’s Eyes
  • Gulf Coast Emotive Artistry by Susanne Vincent
  • Preserving Art for Future Generations
  • Nature’s Harmony: Susanne Vincent’s Art Elegance
  • Gulf Coast Ranching Realities in Art

Resources

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

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It's art

It’s art, let’s talk about it – Cowboys, Horses, and Heritage: The World of Harold T. Holden

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 remains humble, constantly striving for improvement in his art and drawing inspiration from the gear and artifacts of the cowboy world that fill his studio. 

Highlights Include:

  • Sculpting Life: Harold T. Holden’s Artistic Dedication
  • Harold T. Holden’s Induction into Cowboy Artist
  • Cowboys and Horses: Harold T. Holden’s Inspiration
  • Preserving Western Heritage Through Harold T. Holden’s Studio

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Harold T. Holden Western Artist

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It’s art, let’s talk about it – Carol Arnold on Expressing Emotions Through Pastel Landscapes

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:

  • Expressing Emotions Through Pastel Landscapes
  • The Importance of Discipline in Artistry
  • The Artistic Process: Incorporating Techniques and Colors
  • Capturing the Essence of West Texas
  • Vibrant Pastel Art with N.U.P.A.S.T.E.L.
  • Artistic Journey through Shows and Exhibitions

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Carol Arnold Fine Art

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It’s art, let’s talk about it – C. S. (Steve) Talley on Capturing the Beauty of the Night

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:

  • Discovering Artistic Passion at 34
  • The Catalyst of Artistic Growth
  • Plains Indians-inspired self-taught artist
  • From Programming to Painting: Steve Talley’s Journey
  • Nocturnal Landscapes with Illuminated Adobe Buildings
  • Artistic Perspectives in Galleries
  • A painter’s paradise in Taos, New Mexico

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

C.S. Talley Fine Art

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It’s art, let’s talk about it – Ron Riddick: The Enriching Influence of Western Culture

In this episode of “It’s Art, Let’s Talk About It,” host Darrell Beauchamp sat down with renowned artist Ron Riddick to discuss his artistic journey and the delicate balance between commercial success and artistic integrity. Ron’s passion for art began at a young age, influenced by his father’s profession and his exposure to art museums. Throughout the episode, Ron shares his insights on the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision while navigating the demands of the art market.

One of the key themes that emerged from the conversation was Ron’s belief that artists should strive to balance commercial success with artistic integrity. He emphasized that an artist’s worth is defined by the quality of their next creation, rather than the monetary value of their work. Ron’s love for the American West and cowboy culture is evident in his paintings, which are influenced by his childhood experiences and the cultural exchange between Mexican American and Native American influences.

Ron’s artistic routine begins early in the morning, and he finds inspiration in the changing seasons. He believes that artists should paint what they love and find meaningful, encouraging them to study their subjects and fall in love with the stories and poetry behind them. Ron’s approach to art is deeply personal, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the subject matter on a spiritual level.

Throughout his career, Ron has faced the challenge of balancing commercial success with artistic integrity. He acknowledges that the art industry often pressures artists to conform to certain trends or market demands. However, he believes that true artistic growth comes from breaking free of these expectations and finding one’s own vision. Ron encourages artists to learn to see and think for themselves rather than simply catering to what the industry wants.

The episode also touched on the role of museums in the art world. Ron expressed his belief that museums are vital in preserving and showcasing valuable art. He emphasized that good art connects with the human spirit and has the power to evoke emotions and touch the hearts of viewers. Ron sees artists as providing an invaluable service to culture by preserving what is good and putting it out there for people to be reminded of.

Ron’s artistic journey serves as a reminder that the pursuit of art is a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery. He emphasizes that artists never truly arrive but must keep on growing and evolving. Ron’s humility and dedication to his craft are evident in his words, as he acknowledges that there is always more to learn and explore.

In conclusion, Ron Riddick’s artistic journey is a testament to the delicate balance between commercial success and artistic integrity. His passion for painting what he loves and finding meaning in his subjects shines through in his work. Ron’s insights on the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision and the value of museums for preserving art serve as valuable lessons for artists and art enthusiasts alike. As Ron himself states, “It’s not that you make a lot of money; it’s that you’re doing an invaluable service to culture by preserving what’s good and putting it out there for people to be reminded.”

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Ron Riddick, Cowboy Artists of America

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It’s art, let’s talk about it – Rachel Brownlee – Drawing Inspiration from Everyday Life

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 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.

Growing up in a ranching family, Brownlee’s artistic abilities were often overlooked. The expectation was that she would follow in her family’s footsteps and pursue a practical, hands-on career. However, Brownlee’s talent for drawing was undeniable, even though it was not encouraged or nurtured during her childhood. It wasn’t until later in life that she realized the potential of her artistic abilities and decided to pursue her passion.

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.

Dedicating 40 to 50 hours a week to her art, Brownlee’s commitment and hard work are evident in her stunning creations. She primarily works with pencil and charcoal, using these mediums to bring her subjects to life on paper. Her attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of her subjects have garnered praise and recognition from both fellow artists and art enthusiasts.

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.

Balancing her artistic pursuits with her roles as a ranch wife, mother, and dedicated long-distance runner is no easy feat. Brownlee’s ability to juggle multiple responsibilities is a testament to her determination and passion for her craft. She acknowledges that everything she does could be considered a full-time activity, but she finds a way to make it work, dedicating time and energy to each aspect of her life.

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