Biography
Justin Bryan has enjoyed painting for over fifteen years, oil being his preferred medium. With a natural talent towards creativity in all aspects of his life, including construction design and building, oil painting became a natural outlet to augment other facets of his life. He is largely self-taught, although he has enjoyed several workshops taught by some well-known Cowboy Artists of America and has very much appreciated their instruction and critique.
Justin was born in the Panhandle of Texas and grew up in northeastern New Mexico where his family raised cattle and farmed in the shadow of the Sangre De Cristo mountains. Many of his growing up years were spent on horseback working cattle on his family’s ranch and other large ranches in the area. Much of his art reflects that country lifestyle and captures the skies, clouds, and landscapes of the region. Animals are often included in his current paintings as well as old structures, corrals and windmills.
After high school, Justin’s dad recommended that he learn a trade, as ranching was a difficult way to make a living. Consequently, Justin entered the construction field and currently owns an industrial construction company and a small ranch in northwest Arkansas where he currently lives with his wife and family. Oil painting became his relaxation and therapy and a means to reconnect with the lifestyle of his youth. As his son and sons in-law take over the daily operations of the construction business, Justin is able to spend more time dedicated to his art.
Justin has had his art juried into the Bosque Art Classic four different years, including this year.
“Western art has always intrigued me. My first exposure being the feed store calendars that included many paintings of respected western artists. A large part of what I enjoy painting can be traced back to my own upbringing in the plains of West Texas, in the foothills of northeastern New Mexico, and in the hills of northwest Arkansas. The animals, the lifestyle, and the landscapes of all three locations are inspiration for my own artistic endeavors, as I feel strongly connected to each place. I want to create paintings that allow others to share in my experiences and feelings.”