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 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 themes of anonymity, impermanence, and isolation. A continuous thread of conflict moves through his paintings, reflecting his belief that stories and by extension, life, is 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
2025 Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week - Blue Rain Gallery - Scottsdale
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 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