Meet the Artist is our new series where we invite you to get to know the creative minds behind the work. Each edition pairs an in-depth editorial Q&A - a chance to explore the artist's background, process, and inspiration - with a Happy Hour where you can see a featured collection of their work and connect with the artist. Because the best way to experience art is alongside the person who made it.
Randall Kirby Cogburn is an Austin-based painter whose work spans landscapes, impressionistic scenes, and whatever moves him at the moment. With roots in the Galveston art community and paintings showing across Texas, Randall brings a hands-on, exploratory approach to his craft, painting on location, from imagination, and everywhere in between.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
Good question! Sometime around 2011 at the Galveston Art League I started showing works there and had my first major sale which really kicked off my enthusiasm for painting and taking part in the history of art.
What’s your approach to making art?
It varies from painting on location, reference photos and creating from imagination. Also, I get inspired by other artists and use that in my own styles and create unique paintings. Usually I have an idea or direction.
What events happened in your life that led you to becoming an artist?
Around the age of 8 I was watching a documentary on American Indians and sand painting. The art they created I thought was amazing, so I took some sand out of our driveway and colored it with food dye and attempted it myself. I don't think it came out all that great. But the act of creating runs in my family.
Other than art, what’s your favorite hobby?
I have started making frames for my paintings, it's kind of a hobby. It's hard work, but rewarding. Currently making frames for a Museum Show at Texas Tech University. I have 6 paintings going there and planning on doing some carving and gold leafing. Other than that, I do collect Sports Cards/TCG on occasion when the bug hits. Nothing expensive, just nostalgia from my childhood
If you could meet any artist (alive or dead), who would it be?
Edgar Payne, I think would be an interesting artist to meet. He was a California Impressionist in the early 1900's. I once had a few paintings in a Gallery in California. The Gallery owner had an original Edgar Payne on the wall in the same room as my paintings. I thought that was very cool.
What’s your five year career plan?
Keep making paintings, and sales through the galleries I'm in. I have three galleries I show in Austin, Galveston and San Antonio. They keep me busy. I might add a few more possibly in New Mexico/Dallas. Maybe move into a bigger house with more studio space. If the budget allowed, a personal space for a studio gallery.
Is there a continuous theme or story behind your art?
Not really, I'm currently exploring a lot. I mainly paint what inspires me and/or the direction I want to paint towards as in style, theme, or even mood. However, I do fall back on what I know and have always liked, mainly painting what I see.
What’s the perfect sandwich?
I do like Schlotzky's Fiesta Chicken
Commissions... Thumbs up? Or thumbs down? Why?
Thumbs up for commissions! It's a way of exploring a subject matter and also another route of creating what I might not normally do which helps me with my creative process.
Would you ever want to run / operate your own gallery? Would you include other artists?
I think it would be a lot of work, maybe a studio gallery. I know other artists that have made this transition and admire that. One artist I know had an upstairs living area, and the downstairs was made into a gallery. Not sure If I'd want that, but maybe a building next to the house with studio/gallery. Yes, I would include other artists.
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