Life changes give artist inspiration, reason to ride
‘This whole art venture of mine seems to be guided,” says Western artist Ron Hauser, “that’s why I call it ‘Painting for a Purpose.’ ”
Hauser, who spent four decades in the heavy construction equipment business, took a nasty fall at work about five years ago. He lost partial use of his left side, as well as his job.
“I was sitting around the house moping and my wife, Mary, told me to go down to the basement and paint,” recalls Hauser from his home in St. Charles, Mo.
He quickly learned that she didn’t mean for him to literally paint the basement; she had recently purchased him a basic oil painting setup, complete with easel, and arranged a studio space for him in the basement.
Hauser, 64, who had no formal art training, picked up the brush and found a new direction in life.
Today the self-taught artist primarily paints and sculpts western subjects including landscapes, wildlife and portraits of ranch hands and Native Americans.
Much of the inspiration for his subjects comes from a fascination with the Old West, his full-blooded Cherokee grandmother and his early life in Oklahoma.
To give his new art career meaning and purpose, however, comes in large part from his youngest grandson, Christian. Born eight years ago with a rare birth defect, he is a quadriplegic and depends on a ventilator to breathe.
“He has brought us endless joy,” says the proud grandfather. A couple of years back, Hauser took Christian to an equine-assisted therapy program for individuals with disabilities.
“I wanted him to experience the wind in his face and the joy of riding like I did when I was a kid,” says Hauser.
With the help of a team of volunteers, Christian was able to ride a small trusty steed named Stony.
“When I saw the smile on his face and observed the closeness and relationship between that horse and him, it really got to me,” recalls Hauser.
The artist captured his feelings in a painting titled “Cowboy Up.” It features a smiling Christian sitting proudly atop Stony.
“The title refers to when you fall off a horse, you get back up and don’t feel sorry for yourself,” says Hauser. “That’s what Christian constantly reminds me to do.”
From that point, Hauser decided to donate a portion of his art sales to, and raise awareness for, such groups as the National American Riding for the Handicap Association.
“God gave me a gift, a second chance,” he says, “and I want to do something to give back.”
As part of his commitment to creating awareness, Hauser takes his talent on the road in the form of his “Traveling Western Gallery.”
Roving gallery
In June of last year Hauser set out on his first monthlong road trip. He rolled into 13 Western states, traveling more than 7,000 miles while visiting cities and towns as far west as Butte and Boise.
“I love the Pacific Northwest,” he says. “It is one of my favorite places for inspiration.”
His Traveling Western Gallery is a 24-foot custom-outfitted Doolittle cargo trailer. It is 8 feet wide and 7 1/2 feet high.
“This unit is an art gallery by day and my bunkhouse where I hang my spurs at night,” says the “Canvas Cowboy.”
The trailer, completely loaded with paintings and provisions, weights around 7,000 pounds. He says he has no problems towing it with his Ford Expedition.
With a drop axle, the trailer sits only about 8 inches off the ground, making it convenient for visitors to step onto its hardwood and carpeted floor.
During the day, the interior space resembles a small art gallery, complete with paintings on the walls and track lighting.
At night the two Western-style couches convert into beds and wood cabinets transform into a dining table and cooking area.
The exterior, when completely set up at an art fair, horse show or RV campground, features an awning, small fenced corral and studio space with easel, chair and paints.
“I just sit out there and start painting,” chuckles Hauser. “Pretty soon people stop by to watch me paint, they begin asking me questions and the next thing you know, they want to see inside the gallery.”
From his trip last summer he was able to donate close to $2,000 and garner a lot of publicity for local horse therapy groups along the way.
“I’m an advocate for this program,” says Hauser. “Selling my paintings is nothing but a vehicle for creating awareness.”
For more information
Because of higher fuel prices, Hauser is attending events closer to his Missouri home this summer, but you can see his work online at www.colorimageart.com/ron. Or, call him direct at (636) 939-9415.