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Watching Lynn Burton race up sandy West Texas slopes snapping his camera to record light and shadow values as reference for future paintings, snapping as fast as he can and then vanishing over the bank is indicative of his energy and general zest. He learned a long time ago the camera can be an artists best friend when used properly. And there is no artist alive that knows best how to use a camera in his art–or, at least, that is what he would say.
To say that Lynn is a bundle of enthusiasm, with an artistic attitude to match, doesn’t really describe the man; only when viewing his paintings does one discover his real depth of feeling and empathy for his favorite subjects–the Indian, the cowboy, and the pioneer American. The exploration of a growing young country by men of strength and ruggedness, and the dignity and color of the aboriginal Americans have consumed his canvases for years.
Lynn’s research is indicative of the consuming interest he has in the West, and is an important part of his work. He reads widely, and his studio is filled with saddles and tack, animal skulls and robes, Indian artifacts, pottery, feathers, and various printed matter. He surrounds himself in the past, in order to bring it to us in the present so that the invaluable heritage of the Old West will remain alive. His visions become real to us as each canvas comes to the public’s eye and the collector’s wall.
When predicting the American Indian Lynn’s palette takes on rich ochres and siennas with reds and blues. Many of his paintings show a certain melancholy, a sense that time past will never come again. Yet, he always treats the original Americans with the greatest respect, and with all the knowledge research can give.
The respect Lynn gives the Indian comes easy. He was raised in New Mexico not far from Signal Peak and Sitting Bull Falls. Seeing Indians on the roads and highways selling their wares was a common sight. It was nothing to stumble across arrowheads in the foothills on a Saturday afternoon hike. No wonder as an adult he is enamored by the original Americans.
