Burton’s art captures Kentucky’s spirit
Photo by Jamie Plain
When it comes to art that defines a place and the people who call it home, Owensboro artist Bill Burton paints Kentucky in bold, brilliant strokes. From jockeys leading their mounts to the paddock to Derby-goers in feathered hats mid-cheer to the thoroughbreds themselves, Burton captures the spirit of the Bluegrass State with every canvas.
Whether it’s a thunderous moment from the track or a quiet profile of a racehorse, Burton’s work tells stories steeped in tradition, movement, and heart.
“I love the color and pageantry of horse racing,” Burton said. “It is fulfilling to capture scenes from the track or around the paddock and put them on canvas.”
His vibrant depictions of thoroughbreds and the culture surrounding them have found a home at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art and The Rumjahn Gallery and Framery on Main Street in Evansville.
Burton, a longtime pharmacist and former owner of Likens Drug Store, came to art later in life. Largely self-taught, he initially worked with pastels and acrylics, cautiously avoiding oils until his confidence grew.
“I was a little intimidated by oils,” he admitted. “I’m mostly self-taught but have viewed other artists’ work over the years for inspiration. Around 8 years ago, I decided to seek out professional lessons to improve my technique, and it has been a smart investment.”
Under the tutelage of Henderson artist Chris Thomas, Burton has flexed his artistic muscle. As his technique evolved, so too did his subject matter.
When searching for a subject for his artwork, Burton sticks to what interests him, and — like most Kentuckians — that includes horse racing.
“I take photographs when I visit Keeneland and then reproduce them into original pieces of art,” Burton said.
When people would ask him why he practiced pharmacy rather than pursuing art as a career, his reply was always a practical one.
“Well, I had to pay my bills, feed my family, and educate my children,” Burton said. “I have had the luxury of living a long life, so now I can pursue art in my retirement years. You can’t let anything define you in life; you have to do what you want to do.”
While horse racing may be his muse, Burton does not let a single genre define him. Scroll through his Instagram, and you’ll find everything from graceful egrets to iconic bourbon pours.
“I have enjoyed some success with my wildlife art, and I love doing portraiture,” Burton said. “I have done a number of commissioned pieces, including portraits of people’s pets and family members.”
Recognition has followed as Burton grew in his craft.
“The first challenge is to get your art accepted into a show,” he said. “The next challenge is to win an award; I’ve been fortunate to have achieved both.”
His piece “Keeneland Fall Meet” was selected for the prestigious Governor’s Derby Exhibit and displayed in the Kentucky Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. Another painting, “Pound for Pound,” earned #1 Honorable Mention at the Owensboro Art Guild’s 55th Juried Exhibition.
The latter of those was painted in the style of LeRoy Nieman, a Minnesota native who became known for brilliantly colored, expressionist paintings of athletes, musicians, and sporting events. Nieman traveled the world and observed events such as the Olympics, the Super Bowl, and the World Series in search of subjects for his art.
“That particular piece was a nod to the phrase ‘pound for pound,’ meaning that jockeys are the best athletes on the planet pound for pound because of the difficulty of their sport,” Burton explained.
Burton takes pride in the Bluegrass State’s cultural heritage and knows that preserving it through art is vital for future generations.
“Kentucky is all about agriculture, horse racing, tobacco, and whiskey,” Burton said. “I’ve painted a few bourbon pours, and those are challenging and fulfilling — trying to capture the light falling over the ice at just the right angle.”
In addition to his artwork, Burton has also written a historical fiction novel, “Turn a Blind Eye,” inspired by the city of Henderson’s colorful past.
“It’s a work of fiction that explores a World War II veteran’s struggle to take back the corrupt community he discovers after a decade away from home,” Burton said. “I think readers will be surprised to learn about this era of Kentucky history.”
Burton has no intention of slowing down. He’s typically juggling multiple projects and will continue to create his Kentucky-themed art for the foreseeable future.
“The challenge is to just get started,” Burton said. “You put one foot in front of the other, and push through the difficult places. When you get frustrated, you just walk away and come back later.”
His advice for aspiring creatives, no matter their age?
“Creativity contributes to longevity, and you have to stay active,” Burton said. “It’s never too late to try something new, and if your heart is in it, you can master just about anything.” OL
