silverado
About the Sculptor
I was trained and practiced full time as an MD anesthesiologist until 3 years ago, but have been drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting and otherwise involved in making art all my life. I took up watercolor painting seriously about 25 years ago. I have attended workshops with several nationally known artists. I have been teaching at Minnetonka Center for the Arts, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and have done workshops for the Minnesota Watercolor society and for other local societies.
I have won multiple awards from the MWS including Best in Show and am a signature member. I have also won multiple awards in plein air painting events including Best Watercolor (twice) at theGrand Marais plein air event as well as Best in Show, and Quick Paint awards at Red Wing and Hudson events. I have had several solo shows and have paintings in collections across the US.. I have had paintings in the annual AWS show the last 2 years and currently have a painting in the AWS traveling show.
I paint because it’s magic, and I love doing it, and my favorite painting is always the next one.
Sculpture Statement
- Sillverado was originally displayed in a saddle shop in the cities. It was purchased by John T. McQuay for his shop, Tumbleweed, in Ham Lake. In the late 90’s McQuay closed his store because of health reasons. Both McQuay and John Tackaberry were very involved in Zuhrah Shrine Horsemen and the horse world in Minnesota. Tackaberry, owner of Star West Chevy, purchased the horse and restructured it in his body shop.
- Dr. James Turner was approached by John Tackaberry to paint the large, fiberglass horse to display at Star West Chevrolet and reflect on his interest in the west and his life long involvement with horsemanship. John is a fine horseman and a longstanding supporter and member of the Shriners drill team and the Hennepin County Mounted Patrol. The design process included many sketches and ideas including abstract patterns, clouds, and eventually, the group of mustangs being corralled by cowboys (and cowgirls). A couple of the horses pictured belong to Jame’s wife, Kristin Von Seggern, and the starry sky is in honor of Star West. The paint is a two part epoxy car paint with a clear-coat finish that had to be applied within 15 minutes of mixing so James had to work fast!
- After it was painted and clear coated “Silverado” was dedicated to John T. McQuay and displayed at Delano Star West where the horse encouraged donations to the Minnesota Horse Council to help rescue and shelter horses. When John Tackaberry sold Star West, with the help of Cal Brandt, Silverado found a home in the Delano Sculpture Park.