Ron and Rufus

Leaving Los Angeles for the more peaceful Sedona, Arizona and switching his artistic focus to mainly canine portraiture, Ron Burns paints with the vibrant colors that to him best express the genuine love of life and great zest shown to us by our dogs.

Inspired by his own dogs and the countless others he visited in shelters, Ron adds color, character, and texture to his subjects with bold patches of layered acrylic paints in a style that reflects a combination of Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Matisse, three of his early artistic influences

Not always having the opportunity to meet his canine subjects, Ron feels as though he can read their emotion and character through a photograph by looking into their eyes. And with this spiritual connection, starting with the eyes, he can be guided through the painting process.

Some of Ron’s paintings show us the serious side of being a dog, like his portraits of service and shelter dogs with their expressions of patience and devotion. Ron also loves to show us their playful side with his caricature paintings of Rufus and other enthusiastic pups driving, lounging, playing cards and staring up at us with their inquisitive eyes.

Ron recently published his second book, Rufus Rhymes, a lullaby book for dogs which he beautifully illustrated. Ron’s first book, The Dogs of Ron Burns, chronicles his earlier works. Ron’s artwork also graces the cover of an inspirational book called Love Heels about the non-profit organization, Canine Companions for Independence.

Ron's devotion to supporting animal causes and giving back has earned him the recognition of The Humane Society of the United States, naming him as their first artist-in-residence. Recently, proceeds from Ron’s paintings went to help fund the rebuilding of a Jacksonville, Florida Humane Society Shelter tragically destroyed by fire

Ron and his wife, Buff, now live in Scottsdale, Arizona with their two fur bearing kids, Loganberry, a 5-year-old Labrador mix and Emma, a 3-year-old Rottweiler mix. Learn more about Ron’s artwork and books at www.ronburns.com.

Ron Burns - " Griffin "

Ron Burns - " Landy "

Ron Burns - " Tiger "

Ron Burns - " Squirt "