Biography
Rayann Orr was born and raised in Colorado. One of six children, Ms. Orr attributes her passion for art to her grandmother, an artist who was born and raised in Taos, New Mexico. From her grandmother, Orr inherited her first set of oil paints and brushes and her sensitive eye for the unique landscapes and structures of the Southwest.
In the early 1980’s Rayann began experimenting with watercolors. While taking a watercolor class she met an artist who would become a close friend and professional mentor. She encouraged her to join her for a weeklong watercolor workshop in Taos, New Mexico. Since that time, these women have committed to paint and study each year in Taos. Rayann attended numerous additional workshops and classes both to learn from others and to discover and capture her own distinct style. In 1990, Ms. Orr was invited to exhibit in the “Celebration of Women” art show at the Sangre de Cristo Art Center in Pueblo, Colorado.
In 1992, Orr expanded her techniques to include printmaking by studying and perfecting her skills at Graphic Impressions in Taos, New Mexico. The monotypes that she creates have a feel of a watercolor, intensified by lithographic inks. Today Rayann Orr is an accomplished artist in both watercolor and printmaking. She is known to combine these media to create emotional and timeless works that capture Southwestern architecture, colors, and landscapes. Her art speaks to the soul of those who know and love the simplicity and yearnings of the Southwest. Rayann exhibits in her native Colorado as well as in New Mexico and Arizona. In 2001, Ms. Orr opened the Rayann Orr Studio Gallery in Pueblo, Colorado. She receives invitations to exhibit at art shows such as the Sangre de Cristo Art Center’s 2002 “Own Your Own Art Show.”
Throughout her life, Ms. Orr has resided in communities where the Spirit of the West thrives in Quarter Horse and cattle ranches. Rayann and her husband, Sunny Jim, are avid collectors of cowboy memorabilia such as bits and spurs. Mr. Orr continues to train horses in support of his own passion of team roping. On their shared travels throughout the West, Rayann does extensive photography, capturing various scenes and themes that weave their way into her art and then into the hearts of those who are privileged to experience her work.
RÉSUMÉ
Born: Pueblo, CO
Resides: Pueblo, CO
Education:
2003 graduate Artist Career Training
1981 – 1984 Adams State College, Alamosa, CO
Annual five day watercolor workshop in Taos, NM
1974 –1975 University of Southern Colorado, Pueblo, CO
Upcoming Exhibitions:
“Own Your Own Art Show,” Sangre de Cristo Art Center, Pueblo, CO
Exhibitions:
Beulah Fine Art Show 2007 (1st &2nd place watercolor)
WY Watercolor Society 2005 National Exhibit, Sheridan, WY
Celebrating the Cowboy Western Art Show 2005, (honorable mention), La Veta, CO
La Junta Koshare Indian Museum’s Kiva Artist Series, May 2005, La Junta, CO
Southern Colorado W/C Society, 2005 Spring Show, (juror Award)
Annual Signature of Pueblo’s Finest Art Show 05-07, Pueblo Convention Center
Solo exhibit, Boardroom Gallery 2004, Sangre de Cristo Art Center, Pueblo, CO
Women Artist of the West, 5th International Juried Show 2003, Dubois, WY
