Today we’d like to introduce you to John and Laurie Lowery.
Hi John and Laurie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Humble Donkey Studio was created on a whim. I had an established home and business in Houston when we decided to buy 60 acres of land near Round Top. Being a career commercial illustrator, I had never painted for fun, but then the animals in the country caught my imagination. Without much thought or planning, I opened an art gallery in Round Top named after a casual comment my wife made. I was painting the glamour animals; horses and longhorns. My wife said, “don’t forget about the humble donkey; it does not get the respect it deserves.” That led me to paint donkeys and became the name of the gallery. I have now completed almost 250 paintings and have sold all but 14 so far. I do carry reproductions of my most popular images in the form of giclees.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Really, it has been a smooth road. With steady growth, expansion, and the constant addition of new product to sell. The challenge has been to take care of all my other responsibilities when all I want to do is paint. We have become very busy, and we have to carve out time for fun and travel.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I paint in acrylic primarily on canvas. My style is evolving with a mix of realism and Impressionism. It really makes no sense. At first, I was painting things that were more realistic, but I enjoy getting weirder and more creative. My work will always remain colorful and may not match your sofa. I like creating images that help the viewer escape and put a smile on their face. I am an upbeat person, and it shows in my work.
What makes you happy?
I like hanging out with my wife and dogs, enjoying a glass of wine, and enjoying our land. I love traveling in my RV and riding motorcycles. But happiness related to the business is someone buying my art and sending pictures of where it hangs in their home. That always makes me happy.
Pricing:
- My reproductions range from $25 to $2,000 and my originals paintings have ranged from $1,200 to $$15,000.
Contact Info:
- Website: Humbledonkeystudio.com
- Instagram: @humbledonkeystudio
- Facebook: Humble Donkey Studio
