Kevin J Mcdonald

What’s New…

Catalina Descent - Most Recent Painting

This painting, “Catalina Descent” is an 18x24 oil painting which depicts a cowboy descending the Catalina Mountains which are near Tucson, AZ.

Invitation into America’s Horse in Art show 

I’m very honored to be invited again into the “America’s Horse in Art” which is the signature exhibition of the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas. This invitation only show begins August 10th and will be available for sale until October 12, 2024.

Painting on Cover of MuzzleLoader Magazine

Artwork Published on Cover of MuzzleBlast Magazine

Honored my painting “Avant Courier” was just published on the cover of the January 2024 issue of MuzzleBlast Magazine. Thank you MuzzleBlast Magazine!

Settlers West 2024 American Miniatures Show

I’m honored to be included in the American Miniatures exhibition at Settlers West Gallery in Tucson with two new paintings. There are so many amazing artists in this show. American Miniatures at Settlers West was the first and is still the best exhibition of small original paintings and sculpture. More than 150 artists are featured in the sale, and all works will be sold by intent-to-purchase draw.
Saturday, February 10, 2024 - Reception 5:30pm, Purchase Draw 7pm 
https://settlerswest.com/
https://www.kjmcdonaldart.com

Two Paintings Accepted into The Small Works, Great Wonders Art Show

I’m again honored to be invited into the Small Works, Great Wonders Art Show at the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City! Many of the nations finest artists who were in the Prix de West will be hanging their artwork in this show. The show opens on November 10, and artwork will be available for sale until November 26, 2023.

“Avant Courier”, is French, meaning “Scout” and was used by voyageurs and mountain men. Thought that might be a good title for this piece.

“New Horizons” is an 9x12 oil on gessoed board which depicts a mother and daughter viewing the distant scenery and anticipating what’s over the next horizon.

Painting Accepted into the 54th Mountain Oyster Club Art Show in Tucson

I’m honored to be accepted into the 54th Mountain Oyster Club Art Show in Tucson, AZ with my 11x17 painting “Old Reliable”. Sharps rifles were praised as being their “old reliable” guns. In 1876 production of the Model 1874 Sharps were stamped with an Old Reliable trademark. The show is from November 19, 2023 - January 31, 2024.

Invited into America’s Horse in Art show

I’m very honored to be invited into the “America’s Horse in Art” which is the signature exhibition of the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas. This invitation only show begins August 12th and will be available for sale until October 14, 2023.

“Encounter” Published on Cover of MuzzleLoader Magazine

Honored my painting “Encounter” was recently published on the cover of the July/August 2023 MuzzleLoader Magazine. Thank you MuzzleLoader Magazine!

Two Paintings in Settlers West Summer Show

Super honored to be invited into the Summer Show at Settlers West for the first time! Just in awe to be in this show with many of the top western artists in the country. Travelled to Tucson for the opening and met some new friends/artists and saw amazing artwork!

The stream reference for Upper Passage was from a hike on the eastern slope of the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. Agency Akiciitas is a painting of a Sioux lawman just after the creation of a police force on the reservation. Traditional Lakota law enforcers were known as Akicitas, who policed camp movements, buffalo hunts and enforced tribal laws and customs and were selected as the first Agency Police in 1879 in South Dakota.

Exhibited at the18th Century Artisan Show

New original oil painting “Encounter” created for the 18th Century Artisan Show in Carlisle, PA which was February 3-4, 2023. First year at this location but it was very well attended. Many fine artisan’s with all hand-made wares.

Accepted into Settlers West 2023 American Miniatures Show

I’m honored again to be included in the American Miniatures exhibition at Settlers West Gallery in Tucson with two new paintings. There are so many amazing artists in this show which is from February 11th - March 4th.
https://settlerswest.com/
https://www.kjmcdonaldart.com

Two Paintings Accepted into the 2022 Small Works, Great Wonders Show

I feel very privileged to be invited again to the Small Works, Great Wonders show at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Many of the nations finest artists who were in the Prix de West will be hanging their artwork in this show. The Shadow Maker, which portrays a Sioux woman circa 1870’s using a parasol and Last Crossing of a successful elk hunter on his way back to camp crossing a fast river. The exhibit will be from November 11 - 27, 2022. (opening for viewing is on Nov. 5th).
https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/small-works-great-wonders/

Three of a Kind accepted into the 53rd Mt. Oyster Club Art Show

Very honored to be accepted into the 53rd Annual Contemporary Western Art Show and Sale at the Mountain Oyster Art Show in Tucson, AZ with my 12x24 oil painting “Three of a Kind”. the show is from November 20, 2022 - January 31, 2023.

Painting Accepted into the 37th Annual Bosque Art Classic Online Exhibition & Sale

I’m honored my painting “The Stray Mount” has been accepted into the 37th Annual Bosque Art Classic in Clifton, TX. 184 pieces juried into the show out of 532 entries. Show is September 11 - 24th.

Artwork on Cover and Feature Article MuzzleBlast Magazine

I’m honored to have my painting “The Cleansing” on the cover of the recent July 2022 issue of MuzzleBlast Magazine! In addition, a four page feature article “Brushes with History” is in the same issue! The article is about good friend and fellow artist Robert “Bob” Albrecht and myself.
(click link below to see article…)

Won Third Place at the Mountain View Americana Art Show June 2022

Artwork Accepted into Settlers West American Miniatures Show 2022

I’m honored to be accepted again into the American Miniatures Show in Settlers West Gallery located in Tucson, AZ with two new paintings. The show opens on February 12, 2022.

More than 160 artists will have new works on display for this stellar event. Reception on Saturday, February 12 begins at 5:30pm and concludes with the 'intent to purchase' draw at 7pm. Intent to purchase bids may be submitted in person, by phone at 520-299-2607 or via email to info@settlerswest.com.

Settlers West Gallery

New Painting for The 18th Century Artisan Show

The Marbleheader is a 5x7 oil on gessoed board and will be available at The 18th Century Artisan Show in Lewisburg, PA on February 4-5th, 2022.

Artwork Accepted into Small Works, Great Wonders 2021 Show

I’m very honored to have two pieces accepted into the Small Works, Great Wonders®  show at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Ok which features a fusion of traditional and contemporary paintings and sculpture.

Sale art goes on exhibit November 6. Unsold art remains on display and available for purchase through November 28, 2021.
https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/small-works-great-wonders/

Painting Accepted into the 36th Annual Bosque Art Classic Online Exhibition & Sale September 11-25th, 2021

I’m honored my 12x24 oil “The Compass Club” has been accepted into the 36th Annual Bosque Art Classic in Clifton, TX. 186 pieces juried into the show out of 595 entries. Online sale opens on September 13th.
https://www.bosqueartscenter.org/Gallery.aspx

Second Place Award in Figurative Oils - Mountain View Americana Art Show

I’m very honored to be accepted into the first annual Mountain View Americana Art Show in South Carolina and to receive second place in the figurative oils category for my 11x14 oil painting, “The Rifleman”. Over 300 pieces of artwork, and show was judged by Seth Hopkins, Director of the Booth Western Museum, Cartersville, GA. Show opens June 10th - 13th, 2021.

mvartshow.com

Two Paintings Accepted in Settler’s West 2021 American Miniature Show

I am honored again to have two paintings accepted into the American Miniatures Show at Settler’s West Gallery in Tuscon, AZ with more than 170 participating artists. Show opens February 11, 2021.

settlerswest.com

Honored to have “The Cleansing” accepted into the 51st Annual Mountain Oyster Club Contemporary Western Art Show and Sale in Tucson, AZ

November 2020

Instead of a typical opening, this year they are offering mini previews throughout the month of November to view the artwork and are implementing the recommended measures to ensure the safety of guests and staff. Tickets are $25 per person, which includes two beverages and light hors d’oeuvres, prepared individually upon arrival. Each mini preview will accommodate up to 20 people for a 2 hour time period and the facility will be sanitized between previews.

https://mountainoysterclub.com/show/2020-art-show-gallery/

The reference photo used for this 22x28 inch oil painting “The Cleansing” which depicts a Lakota woman, was taken a few years ago at a photo shoot in South Dakota.

Sage and sweet grass are both used by Lakota and other Plains tribes for ceremonial purposes and are considered sacred plants. The burning of sage or sweet grass is spiritual and used as a ritual to cleanse away negative energies, sadness, and to express gratitude. 

Sage is said to rid the body of negative emotions. Sweet grass is said to draw in positive energy. Both are used for purification purposes.

There was such an emotional look on the models face at this particular time. While I don’t know exactly what she was thinking,
I do know her father had only recently passed away “Walked On” the previous month.

Her father was Chief David Beautiful Bald Eagle, Lakota. 1919-2016.

Painting Accepted into the 35th Annual Bosque Art Classic Online Exhibition & Sale September 12-26th, 2020

Two Paintings Accepted in Settler’s West 2020 American Miniature Show

I am honored to have two recent paintings accepted into the American Miniatures Show at Settler’s West Gallery in Tuscon, AZ with more than 175 participating artists. Show opens February 8, 2020.
www.settlerswest.com

"The Rifleman" Published on the Cover of MUZZLELOADER.

Very honored for my recently completed 11 x 14 oil painting - “The Rifleman” to be published on the cover of the July/August issue of MUZZLELOADER.

”The Rifleman” depicts a Rifleman from the Revolutionary War. Congress authorized the raising of rifle companies in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland on June 14, 1775. Hundreds of young men from the western counties came forward to volunteer. These hardy men from the frontier used their rifles to bring in food and provide defense against Indians.

An eyewitness described the riflemen as “remarkably stout and hardy men, many of them exceeding six feet in height. They are dressed in white frocks, or rifle-shirts, and round hats. These men are remarkable for the accuracy of their aim, striking a mark with great certainty at two hundred yards distance.”

- Hugh T. Harrington (www.americanrevolution.org/riflemen.php)

“A Welcome Sight” - New Painting

I just completed a new 12 x 16 oil painting - “A Welcome Sight” which shows a Sioux Warrior returning home at dawn.

"Reflection" Published on the Cover of MuzzleBlast

I'm honored to have my painting "Reflection" published on the September 2018 cover of MuzzleBlast Magazine. It was cropped to fit the magazine format and shows more detail of the three Seneca Indians. You can see the full painting below as a time-lapse sequence (may need to refresh the page)

History Meets the Arts

I was one of thirty artists for the the 21st annual History Meets the Arts (HMTA) show & sale at Gettysburg College, June 8-10 2018 in historic Gettysburg, PA. The show iwas being presented by Lord Nelson’s Gallery which is also located in Gettysburg, PA.

Included at the show & sale will be painters, sculptors and traditional 18th century period accoutrement makers, in addition to accomplished historical book authors. The artists represent a wide variety of genres including 18th & 19th century periods, Native American, wildlife, landscape, nautical, and more.

"Reflection" is a 22 x 28 inch oil painting that was first displayed at History Meets the Arts show & sale in June 2018. The above animated image shows the progression from start to finish.

Reflection portrays three Seneca warriors sitting stream-side while preparing for a journey in the mid 18th century. One warrior is using a small trade mirror to see his reflection for applying natural paint to his face and head. Traditional war paint was made from natural materials such as charcoal, ocher (reddish clay), berries, plants, minerals, and tree bark. Other natural ingredients, including bird excrement, plant leaves, and fruits, were mixed with animal fat and hot water to make paint.

They often painted in various shapes, often stripes, circles, triangles, and dots and used war paint to rally themselves for battle and frighten their enemies.

This could be a small war party, or more likely part of a larger group preparing to meet at an agreed location before departing on their journey.

The Seneca were part of the Iroquois Confederacy and in the mid-late 18th century, one of the six nations which included the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Tuscarora. Located south of Lake Ontario in New York State, they were the most western of the Confederacy and were known as “The Keepers of the Western Door”. They were a powerful tribe who traveled many miles to make war on their enemies.

* “War Paint.” Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the Ages. Encyclopedia.com. 25 May. 2018.