Ron Burns is a devoted artist and animal advocate mixing his love for animals with his art.
A knight in shining armor to the countless numbers of homeless animals across the United States, established artist, Ron Burns has integrated his passion for painting with his love of animals, especially man’s best friend. His popularity has emerged from his unique and eye-catching pet portraits.
An Ohio native, Burns grew up near his grandparent’s farm. There, he developed an enduring affection for animals, both barnyard and household.
Ron Burns was only following his heart when he began painting at a young age, receiving awards for his animal artwork. He went on to obtain a degree in Visual Communications from Ohio State University and pursued a career in graphic design. Unable to depart form his natural talent, Burns continued to paint animal portraits in his spare time. To his surprise, the public was admiring his paintings. Due to this sudden interest and the demand for his artwork, Burns made his exodus from the world of graphic design and poured all of his talent and effort into canvas work.
Using his own dogs as his original models, he then began to work from photos that he took while visiting an animal shelter in Colorado. Ron Burns’ career in pet portraits exploded. The growing popularity of these portraits allowed him to coordinate numerous art exhibits from which a percentage of the proceeds were donated to the Colorado shelter.
Ron Burns has been honored as the first and current Artist in Residence for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). In cooperation with the HSUS, a fund for homeless animals has been established in Burns’ name, known as the Little Orphan Animals Fund. Any profits from this fund raising program are used t support a variety of programs for local animal welfare organizations.
Burns’ signature artwork, limited editions, posters and royalties from licensed calendars by At-A-Glance and greeting cards by Gibson Greetings contribute to Little Orphan Animals. He also works in conjunction with PetsMart Charities, where his artwork has helped to market their “Just a Buck, Change their Luck” promotion. Burns’ most recent contribution is in the New York City Cow Parade. His cow is available for viewing at the Time Life Building in Rockefeller Plaza.
Ron Burns’ flair for painting canine portraits has made him quite a star in the art world. One of his paintings, titled, “Lucy,” made the cover of the September 1999 issue of U.S. Art, later winning him the number one cover of 1999. He and his works have also been featured in Art Talk Magazine, on The Discovery Channel, PBS, and a Fox News segment, as well as finding their way into the permanent set design of the popular television series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In addition, he has been approached to do work for Universal Studios in California.
What is it that makes Ron Burns and his animal portraits so appealing? With one look, you will see their originality, the intensity of the colors he uses, the integrity of the work. The subject’s eyes are the most telling feature in Burns’ artwork and this is no mistake. He seems to capture the vulnerability and defenselessness of the animal. He certainly has a style that speaks to the observer and it is this uniqueness that tells us that we have not seen the last of Ron Burns and his “brush” puppies.
For more information on Ron Burns and his artwork, please visit www.ronburns.com
By Luisa Nunez
