GL Richardson (b. Richmond, VA, 1993) is an oil painter based in Santa Fe, NM. His journey has taken him from a career as an art director in San Francisco to working the rugged terrain of 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 rural life. In this setting, he produced only a handful of paintings, prioritizing learning from the experiences that surrounded him. He spent over a year there, with most lessons coming by way of trial-by-fire. This period of introspection and growth was transformative, allowing him to find his authentic voice and the visual language that defines his work today.
Now, Richardson continues to paint 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 deeply 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, grounded in both solid and surreal landscapes. Often, elements of his figures dissolve, phantasm-like, highlighting recurrent themes of anonymity, impermanence, and isolation. A continuous thread of conflict weaves through his paintings, reflecting his belief that stories—and by extension, life—are driven by the interplay of tension and resolution.
Education
Bachelors of Journalism - Art Direction
University of Missouri
2016
Virginia Commonwealth University - Brandcenter
Masters of Science in Business - Art Direction
2018
Group shows/Fairs
2021 “The New Vanguard II” - Keep Contemporary - Santa Fe
2021 “PT&A” - Smoke the Moon - Santa Fe
2022 “Flower Shop” - Smoke the Moon - Santa Fe
2022 “New Western Talent” - Western Gallery - Online
2022 “Ascension” - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe
2023 LA Art Show - Blue Rain Gallery - Los Angeles
2023 “After the Gold Rush” - Western Gallery - Austin
2023 “The Taos Six Collection: Herbert Dunton” - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe
2023 “Small Works” - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe
2024 “New Western Paintings” w/ Dennis Ziemienski - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe
2024 Young Guns Coors Western Art Show
Solo shows
2022 “22 Fables” - Smoke the Moon - Santa Fe
2023 “Twin Window” - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe
2022 “22 Fables” - Smoke the Moon - Santa Fe
2023 “Twin Window” - Blue Rain Gallery - Santa Fe
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 Young Guns Coors Western Art Show Featured Artist
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 Young Guns Coors Western Art Show Featured Artist