GL Richardson (b. Richmond, VA, 1993) is a figurative oil painter based in Santa Fe, NM. His journey has taken him from a career as an art director in San Francisco to working on a New Mexican cattle ranch. There he embraced the path less traveled, going on to pursue his career as a fine artist.
Disenchanted with the world of advertising, Richardson made a decisive move to a remote ranch, immersing himself in the rhythms of western life. In this setting, he produced only a handful of paintings, prioritizing learning from what he was living. He spent over a year there, with most lessons coming through trial-by-fire. This time was transformative, allowing him to find the visual language that defines his work today. By combining found imagery and personal photography his work blurs the line of myth and reality. In this space there is room to say something. The blend allows for work with moving narratives, speaking to human truths and concepts that resonate with audiences widely.
Now, Richardson paints and works alongside friends in ranching whenever possible; his experiences on ranches across the West actively inform his artistic practice.
Artist Statement
GL Richardson, a figurative painter, draws from the traditions of ranching and the American West to explore universal themes of the human experience. His paintings present intimate moments with his subjects, in both solid and surreal settings. Often, pieces of his figures dissolve, phantasm-like, prompting contemplation on anonymity, impermanence, and isolation. Grounded in lessons from narrative storytelling, a continuous thread of tension moves through his paintings, while resolution is left undone.
Education
Bachelors of Journalism - Art Direction
University of Missouri
2016
Virginia Commonwealth University - Brandcenter
Masters of Science in Business - Art Direction
2018
Group/Fairs
2021 “The New Vanguard II” - Keep Contemporary - Santa Fe, NM
2021 “PT&A” - Smoke the Moon - Santa Fe, NM
2022 “Flower Shop” - Smoke the Moon - Santa Fe, NM
2022 “New Western Talent” - Western Gallery - Online
2022 “Ascension” - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe, NM
2023 LA Art Show - Blue Rain Gallery - Los Angeles, CA
2023 “After the Gold Rush” - Western Gallery - Austin, TX
2023 “The Taos Six Collection: Herbert Dunton” - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe, NM
2023 “Small Works” - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe, NM
2024 Young Guns Coors Western Art Show - Denver, CO
2025 Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week - Blue Rain Gallery - Scottsdale, AZ
2025 The Far West Show - Austin, TX
Solo
2022 “22 Fables” - Smoke the Moon - Santa Fe, NM
2023 “Twin Window” - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe, NM
2022 “22 Fables” - Smoke the Moon - Santa Fe, NM
2023 “Twin Window” - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe, NM
2024 “New Western Paintings” w/ Dennis Ziemienski - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe, NM
2025 June Show w/ Landry McMeans - Commerce Gallery - Lockhart, TX
Permanent Collections
2026 Art in Public Places - Purchase Selection - New Mexico
Press & Publication
2021 “Physical Labor in the life and art of GL Richardson”
Ranchlands Journal
2022 “Studio Visit Magazine Vol. 49”
2022 “Southwest Contemporary Vol. 6” Accompanying Imagery
2022 “CAHG Magazine Vol. 4” Artist Feature
2023 Blue Rain Gallery Podcast Ep. 49
2023 Western Art Collector Magazine #191 “Striking a Chord” Interview
2023 “21 Under 31” Southwest Art Magazine - 21 Artists Under 31
2024 New American Paintings - Issue #168
Accolades
2022 NM Art in Public Places purchase proposal selected artist
2023 NM Art in Public Places purchase proposal selected artist
2023 “21 Under 31” Southwest Art Magazine - 21 Artists Under 31
2024 Featured Artist Young Guns Coors Western Art Show
2021 “Physical Labor in the life and art of GL Richardson”
Ranchlands Journal
2022 “Studio Visit Magazine Vol. 49”
2022 “Southwest Contemporary Vol. 6” Accompanying Imagery
2022 “CAHG Magazine Vol. 4” Artist Feature
2023 Blue Rain Gallery Podcast Ep. 49
2023 Western Art Collector Magazine #191 “Striking a Chord” Interview
2023 “21 Under 31” Southwest Art Magazine - 21 Artists Under 31
2024 New American Paintings - Issue #168
Accolades
2022 NM Art in Public Places purchase proposal selected artist
2023 NM Art in Public Places purchase proposal selected artist
2023 “21 Under 31” Southwest Art Magazine - 21 Artists Under 31
2024 Featured Artist Young Guns Coors Western Art Show