Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Q: Where can I see Loren's original work on display?

A: A few of Loren's paintings and drawings are in Permanent Collections that can be viewed publicly at the following locations: The Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, The Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming, The Montana State Historical Society in Helena, Montana and at the Billings Public Library in Billings, Montana.

Loren has been honored to be part of the Cowboy Artists of America since 1992.  The Cowboy Artists of America holds its annual exhibition and sale in conjunction with the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association (fine leatherwork, metalwork, etc.) at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.  This exhibition, called Cowboy Crossings, is held each October.

Loren also regularly attends the Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale, also at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, held each June.

The Legacy Gallery in Bozeman, MT, also features Loren's work.

 

Q: How long has Loren been a full-time artist?

A: Loren grew up in the farm country of Kansas and could often be found drawing in the fields or forests during breaks from busy farm life.  Many an hour was spent simply observing nature, especially before a storm when wildlife was the most active.  Growing up, he poured over the horse illustrations in Will James books and visited the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City which fired his artistic imagination and ambition.  He made his first sale on a drawing of a cutting horse in action to a neighbor for 10 cents, who bought the piece to hang in a horse stable.  Upon leaving his childhood home, he worked as a Montana ranch hand where he came into contact with other Western artists.  Cowboy by day and artist by night, Loren soon began to realize it was possible to make a living as an artist.  With a young family to provide for, he took a leap of faith and officially started as a full-time artist in 1981.  He nurtured his artistic talent through course work at the Famous Artists Correspondence School and through his studies with two masters of representational painting, Bettina Steinke and Richard Schmid.  Loren has taken various art courses at Hesston College, Longview College and Montana State University.

 

Q: Does Loren paint from life or from photographs?

A: Loren is inspired by painting on location in nature and painting from life in the studio.  The majority of his paintings start out as small studies in pencil or paint.  For a large painting with quite a bit of detail, he will take dozens of photographs to refer back to as he is painting in his studio.

 

Q: Does Loren teach workshops or classes?

A: Loren has taught several workshops and classes and enjoys the opportunity to work with both fellow and budding artists.  He would like to hear from you if you are interested in a workshop or class.  View details about Loren's most recent workshop in Bozeman, Montana.  

 

Q: What artists have inspired Loren?

A: Throughout his life and career, Loren has been inspired by the work of many artists, including John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, Anders Zorn, Nicolai Fechin, the Wyeths, Norman Rockwell, Carl Rungius and Will James, and many more.  Visit Loren's Pinterest page to take a look at who he is inspired by.

 

Q: What books would Loren recommend for budding artists?

A: Loren believes that the foundation to a good painting is a good drawing.  He often recommends "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards.  For painting, he recommends studying books on your favorite artists.  Refer to "What artists have inspired Loren?" above, for a listing of Loren's favorite artists.

 

Q: Can I commission Loren to do a painting, drawing or portrait?

A: Yes.  Loren's regular art shows keep him very busy but when time allows he would be more than happy to do a custom piece.  Custom paintings and drawings are typically $30 per square inch if there is a lot of detail in the subject matter.  Less detailed subject matter is typically $25 per square inch.