Tag: Plein-Air Painting

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Magnificent 7 Rides Again

The Magnificent 7 Rides Again: Laura Williams – Recent Public Art Projects

Welcome back to The Magnificent 7 Rides Again, a captivating podcast series that delves into the vibrant world of seven talented female artists painting amid the breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and vistas of the Texas Hill Country. Join us as we explore their creative journeys, uncover the inspirations behind their work, and celebrate their unique perspectives on art and life. In Season 3, we visit with the artists about their 2026 exhibit, The Magnificent Seven Rides Again, at the Kerrville Art and Culture Center. In this episode, host Tom Fox welcomes back Laura Williams to discuss her recent work and preparations for the fourth Magnificent Seven Rides Again show.

Williams recounts completing a memorial mural in Austin’s Easton Park on a repurposed shipping container, incorporating layered steel to add depth and honoring a colleague who died of cancer. She also mentions private commissions in Beeville and Hunt, selling work at LJ’s reopening, and her board service with the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society, including donating a plein air oak tree painting (“Hermosa Prima”) to its Leaders and Legends program. For the upcoming show, she plans to exhibit Hill Country plein air works, a claret cup cactus painting, an acrylic nocturne roadrunner, and a large textured purple thistle. She credits Magnificent Seven marketing and camaraderie for audience growth and professional development, shares that she will miss the demo day due to travel, and provides her website and social channels.

Key highlights:

  • Memorial Mural Austin
  • Show Preview of New Works
  • Oil Versus Acrylic
  • What Magnificent Seven Means

Resources:

Laura Williams Gallery

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

The Hill Country Artists Facebook Page

The Hill Country Artists Facebook Page

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It's art

It’s Art, Let’s Talk About It – Exploring the Journey of Shanna Kunz: From Courthouse Stenographer to Celebrated Landscape Artist

The Museum of Western Art is dedicated to excellence in the collection, preservation, and promotion of Western Heritage, as well as 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 Director Darrell Beauchamp welcomes renowned landscape artist Shanna Kunz from Ogden, Utah, to discuss her artistic journey.

Shanna shares how she transitioned from a career as a court stenographer to becoming a full-time artist after a life-changing watercolor class at age 29. She details her formal education at Utah State and the significant influences of mentors and fellow artists. Shanna also talks about balancing art with life, the importance of values and design in painting, and her pleasure in teaching workshops. Additionally, she highlights her involvement with a group of eight female artists called the Wild Women, who travel and paint together. The episode delves into her preferred techniques, favorite subjects, and upcoming projects, offering listeners valuable insights into her creative process and the business of art.

Highlights include:

  • Shanna’s Journey into Art
  • The Wild Women Artists Group
  • Advice for Aspiring Artists
  • The Importance of Values in Painting
  • The Business Side of Art
  • The Journey and Passion for Art

Resources:

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp on LinkedIn

Shanna Kunz Fine Art website

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Hill Country Artists Podcast

Hill Country Artists Podcast: Laura Williams on Plein – Air Painting and Hunt Art Fair

Delve into the heart of the Texas Hill Country with the award-winning “Hill Country Artists Podcast,” which illustrates and illuminates the vibrant tapestry of art rooted in this iconic region. From the sun-drenched limestone cliffs to the serene Guadalupe River, the Hill Country has been a muse for countless artists, providing a unique backdrop for creativity to flourish.

In each episode, we uncover the stories behind the area’s most captivating artworks, converse with local artists about their inspirations, and explore the fusion of Texan traditions with contemporary artistic expressions.

In this episode, host Tom Fox welcomes Laura Williams, a member of the ‘Magnificent Seven,’ to discuss the thriving local art scenes in Kerrville and Hunt, Texas.

Laura shares insights about the group’s formation and their shows, as well as the evolution and rebranding of the Hunt Art Fair into the Hill Country Artists Art Fair. Key highlights include the diversity of art styles, the supportive artist community, and preparations for upcoming events. Laura also details the beauty of the venue, Bridget’s Basket, and her own artistic endeavors in plein air painting and smaller works inspired by local wildflowers.

Key Highlights:

  • The Hunt Art Fair Origins
  • Rebranding to Hill Country Artists
  • Bridget’s Basket Venue
  • Plein-Air Painting Explained
  • Other Artists at the Fair
  • The Local Art Scene

Hill Country Artists

Hunt Art Fair