Today we’d like to introduce you to Makenna Burton
Hi Makenna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was just a child the first time I rode a horse, and I’ll never forget the feeling. Even then, I could feel the gravity of knowing something was meant to be. I knew in my heart the minute that sweet, old horse took her first trot steps, I was home. I would go on to shape my entire life around the pursuit of that sacred feeling.
Holding a paintbrush was a similar experience. I have always loved art, always had a bit of a knack, but I struggled more to find my medium. I grew up drawing and sketching, dabbling in pastels, colored pencils, acrylic paint and even photography and video editing – always trying to discover what my “artistic voice” was. While I believe this will change and grow with me throughout my life, I’ll never forget my first oil painting – never forget the one single brush stroke that made me say, “oh. I get it now.” and just like that, I got to meet myself again.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve always struggled with narrowing my art down. In in addition to fine art, I’ve pursued a career as a photographer and videographer. For many years, and even sometimes still, creating can feel like juggling a dozen different objects of different weights, sizes and shapes. It’s hard to get a rhythm when your work changes every day.
When I began my freelancing journey in 2020, I felt like I had to yes to everything. Somedays I was pencil drawing a portrait of someone’s family, the next I was flying a drone to capture video over a tow truck site – it really ran the gamut, and I found myself monetizing everything I loved, which took a lot of the joy away.
I’m grateful that I have been able to try so many different ways to create, but my biggest challenge has been to find a way to say no, or to limit the number of services I provide as a creative person. It’s easy to stretch myself too thin. Painting is one of greatest passions; so, reducing my number of commissions and making the art that I choose to make has really fueled my creative battery.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
This collection of art is the most serendipitous intersection of my two most enduring passions coming together. My oil paintings are a reflection of a life of love and dedication to the horse. Through each piece, I aim to capture the vibrant energy and powerful presence of these magnificent animals. Through bold compositions and a dynamic use of color, my goal is to capture not only their physical form but also their inner spirit. Each brushstroke reflects a deep respect for horses and their long-standing role in our collective imagination, and in my own life.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Likes:
all animals
horses and dogs, especially
rescuing and fostering bully breeds
advocating for thoroughbreds/OTTBs
painting & creating
photography and videography
reading
indie and folk music
traveling anywhere and everywhere
hiking
intersectional feminism and LGBTQ+ advocacy
watermelon juice
Halloween
Dislikes:
minimalism
people who are mean to animals
slow drivers
capitalism
cubicles
great books with terrible endings
dreary days without sun
the taste of carrots
bigots, racists, sexists
Pricing:
- 300 – 600
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mburtonstudio.com
- Instagram: @bymakenna
- Facebook: Makenna Burton Studio
- Other: tik tok @bymakenna
