Ron Burns and his wife, Buff, live part-time in Scottsdale, Arizona in a house filled with desert light, half-crushed tubes of acrylic paint, canvasses in various stages of completion and, of course, Rufus and Loganberry.
Demand for Ron's original work, limited editions, and his book continues to flourish on the strength of gallery sales, word of mouth among collectors, and media praise.
-- Forbes magazine writes "Burns style has become extremely collectible."
-- "His canvasses of in-your-face dogs and cats drenched in Day-Glo colors are hot sellers" reports San Francisco Chronicle.
-- Sky magazine calls his style "eye-popping, irresistible Andy Warhol meets Matisse."
Ron is an Ohio native whose professional life started in Los Angeles where he and Buff founded the graphic design company, Ron Burns Design. There his work won over high-profile clients including Dick Clark Productions, Xerox, and Blue Cross.
But this brand of success demanded a nonstop, 25-hour-a-day approach to living and working that grew less and less fulfilling. Ron occasionally used painting as a pastime to deal with the intense pressures of commercial work. The 1987 Whittier earthquake rattled more than their design studio off its foundation, it forced Ron and Buff to completely reprioritize their lives.
Looking to escape the soulless-ness of business life in L.A., they moved to Sedona, Arizona. In this quieter, more spiritual setting Ron began to take painting seriously. He explored various styles and subject matter until finally he started painting vibrant portraits of their own dogs.
The color choices Ron is famous for today were present from the start.
"There's nothing subtle or muted about a pet's love, especially especially a dog's," says Ron. "It's full-strength, heart-felt and wild-as-the-wind. So the green-apple colors, the fire-truck reds, the swimming-pool blues really chose themselves.
"Brilliant, saturated colors are the only ways I can begin to capture what each of us experiences with the dogs and cats that nurture us."
Ron begind each portrait with the eyes.
Their eyes hold nothing back, whether it's love or fear, heartbreak or admiration. Every portrait begins with the eyes they have to because from there all the life and personality radiates outward, he says.
After Ron's initial series of paintings of his own kids, he started visiting animal shelters and taking photos of other dogs and cats to use as models. After selling portraits of these images, he returned a percentage of proceeds back to support the shelters. This approach later lead to being named artist-in-residence with The Humane Society of the United States.
New York Daily News writes that Ron's style "captures the quiet heroics of the life of dogs." It's a style that has won over collectors, interior designers, auction bidders, and book buyers. He has been featured nationally on television and in print.
Ron, Buff, Rufus and Loganberry currently live part-time in Scottsdale, Arizona and there he is presently creating images for his next book and working on a number of exciting new projects.
Due to Ron’s reputable generosity, Burns Studio receives countless requests for support from worthy organizations across the country, and even around the world. We try to do what we can, but unfortunately feel that it is still not enough, as millions of animals continue to be euthanized each year in the US alone.
To save animals, Burns Studio - where We’re for Furever Homes™ – looks to innovatively partner with animal welfare organizations who share our same vision. One way in which we do so is through a website specifically designed for non-profits with programs to help raise money through Ron’s artwork.
This website is for non-profits looking for innovative fundraising ideas, however due to proprietary nature of its information (including in depth program descriptions, custom tailored marketing and PR materials, etc.), it is password protected. For the login and password to the site, please contact support@burnsstudio.com.
Below are a few programs outlined in detail on the site. Share this information with your favorite animal welfare organization to help be part of the solution; together we can make a difference.
Furever Homes™ is a raffle program we developed to help organizations generate excitement, media attention, and donations through the use of Ron’s instantly recognizable artwork. Supporters enter the raffle by purchasing raffle tickets, and one lucky ticket holder will win the opportunity to have his or her pick of any Burns limited edition valued at up to $2,000!
To see all Little Orphan Animals™ (LOA) merchandise currently available, please visit our store at www.cafepress.com/orphananimals.
Ron has created a complete line of little orphaned cats and dogs with one specific goal in mind – to spread the word that there are thousands of wonderful shelter animals looking for their Furever Homes™. The bright colors and bold graphics are inspired from the magical paintings that Ron has created over the years from the many shelter animals he has met in his travels around the country.
Ron’s LOA characters have helped the State of Arizona raise over $650,000 for spay and neuter initiatives with their use on the pet-friendly license plate and now they can help other organizations raise money as well!
Organizations that plan to have a 2009 dog walk can use Ron’s character “Andy” on their T-shirts. The iWalked image is specially designed for the 2009 year, which dramatically limits its availability. So, whether you and your furry friend walk, or just want to support the fundraiser, the iWalked merchandise is not only fun, adorable, and for a good cause, it’s also incredibly collectible!
Beyond the iWalked items, organizations also have the opportunity to make a minimum of 15% from sales of other LOA items by joining our affiliate program. As new images are added to the store, old ones may be retired, which dramatically increases their value as collectibles. To see all LOA merchandise currently available, please visit our store at www.cafepress.com/orphananimals.
Ron -- As the days of summer are winding down, just wanted to stop by and wish you tranquility, love and continued creative inspiration! I hope life is treating you well!
Hello my friend, Just dropping in to say hello! Hope everything is well in your world and sending much love your way. Have a wonderful week ahead! Jessica xo
Hi Ron, Just wanted to stop in and say thank you for all your support. Just wanted to show you some Love back! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! ~Charles~
Hello new friend and thanks for the addy!! I like to make online friends I have something in common with.........the welfare of ALL animals & the Earth! Peace & Pit Bulls, Kimberley & furbabies Dharma,Whisper,May Bull,Cooper,Mia,Copper & Ratatatat (the Rat)...........NO ANIMAL TESTING!!~SPAY & NEUTER!!~ADOPT DON'T BREED OR BUY!!~EAT ORGANIC!!~STOP BSL!! I love ur art!!
As an artist, I love your work. But, as an animal lover, I love your heart! I'm writing Congress to see if they will pass a bill that will clone you! :D Bless you for your efforts and hard work!!! :D
You did a beautiful job on your paintings at the new Humane Society of Silicon Valley! That is such an amazing facility and your paintings added such a wonderful touch! :) -Penny
Ron, thanks so much for your friendship. The way you capture the essence of our canine friends is so amazing and touches my heart. Your talent is inspiring. Peace and Happy Painting! -Summer Solstice
Thank you for the gift of your friendship, Ron. The way you capture the expressiveness of animals in your art is inspiringly beautiful. Until all on Earth live in peace and are free ... hugs to you, PLV.
