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Each part of the West has its own distinctive characteristics that encompass geography, history, and culture. Lorna Dillon, a native Californian, now living in Columbia, CA, sets her paintings in rural California. The influence of the cowboys and vaqueros and their honest horsemanship is so classical that their legacy comes to life under her brush.

As a child, Dillon was intrigued by paintings in her family home. Her fascination was profound, and the seed was planted. It lay dormant until the late 70s when Lorna took up painting to see if her interest could be developed. She followed a long and laborious path filled with much trial and error, studying the styles, composition and techniques of other artists whose work she admired.

Gradually her style developed and her interests aimed her for the western art genre. Livestock trade shows did double duty as both a source of subjects and sales. There she learned more about the animals and their various characteristics, sold a lot of art, gained discipline and brush mileage, and, most importantly, Lorna says, “I met a lot of wonderful people in the livestock industry. ” The ranching life felt very natural to her, and she found the ambiance warm and genuine. Success and her reputation in the field grew.

After many years of this self-taught effort, workshops became a springboard for her to really begin to mature as an artist. Many well-known regional shows in the western states led to her inclusion in the prestigious Prix de West Invitational at the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City for the past six years. That event has been “the pinnacle of my career” according to Dillon, “and I thank God for the guidance to make it all possible”.

lornadillon.com

Larry Henderson will be performing at CAMPS this month.

Larry will be performing at Camp’s Restaurant each Saturday evening from 7-9p.m. Come out and enjoy great food and some acoustic music.