Solo So Sweet

Born in 1939 in Oxford, North Carolina, Bruxton loved drawing and putting scenes together as a child and would wash color onto his pencil drawings. But that was not painting--not yet. He received his basic art training in his high school art class, but it was sufficient for him to realize that he wanted to pursue art as an avocation.

Bruxton attended the University of North Carolina for two years followed by four years of training at Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California where he received a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree. He began his career, first as an illustrator in Detroit, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio, before he settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As an illustrator, Bruxton would use illustrator “tricks” and wild, eye-catching color to grab attention to make you focus instantly, and "get it" quickly—important in advertising.

Today, this quick read approach is contrary to his goal, which after 30+ years of painting almost every subject; using numerous styles and techniques to please countless clients, Bruxton has found his passion in painting historical scenes. His historical paintings depict the early history of our country, especially the 18th Century Eastern Woodland Frontier--Colonial figures, horses, wagons, landscapes, forts and cabins. He now restricts his use of wild, eye-catching color, off the wall compositions--they must follow pleasing composition, color harmony, good drawing and value relations in order to be worthy of admiration. Plus, they must be historically accurate; his paintings are extensively researched and have been used in documentary films, books or articles about history. Also, in high schools and universities as visual reality to the written word.

Bruxton’s paintings have been exhibited at “The Masters of the American West Show” at the Autry Museum of the American West” (Los Angeles, California); the “Quest for the West” show at the Eiteljorg Museum of Indianapolis; “History Meets the Arts” show, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and Settlers West Gallery's American Miniatures Show.

Bruxton has received many national awards, and is a Living Master with the Art Renewal Center, Port Reading, New Jersey. His paintings hang on the walls of museums, at historical sites, and in the homes of his patrons, for whom he has done commissions.