Legend Jon Crane
Artist | 2021 INDUCTEE
Jon Crane was born in 1948 in New Jersey. In 1964 Jon visited the Black Hills of South Dakota with his grandparents. He was only 15 at the time, but he knew he needed to find a way to move from the Eastern shore of the United States to the Midwest.
Putting his strengths in art, drafting, geography, and doodling to work, Jon graduated with a Fine Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado. While attending the University, Jon earned his commission in the United States Air Force and chose to serve his time as a pilot at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD.
After his military service, Jon began painting using a unique technique with watercolors, creating artworks that made people feel like they were home. He and his wife, Gail, opened an art gallery in Rapid City and showcased his paintings at big art festivals across the country.
Knowing it is often difficult to make a living as a professional artist, Jon decided to believe in himself and build the life he dreamed of – painting landmarks and scenery from rural America, including his adopted state of South Dakota. As people started buying Jon’s artwork, he and Gail wanted to give back to the world and have supported many organizations with their time and money.
The DNA of an Artist
When growing up, Jon was surrounded by the artwork of his great-great-grandfather, Civil War artist Alfred Waud, and his great-grandfather, a marine artist named Milton Burns. Their work hung in his home, and even in his classrooms in school.
“Art was simply a part of my DNA. Doodling in the back of the classroom when I should have been paying attention just came naturally.”
When Jon went to college, the natural thing was to major in fine art. After college and a five-year stint in the Air Force, Jon finally made a conscious decision about becoming a professional artist.
“Once I made up my mind, I never looked back.”
Enduring the Challenges of Earning a Living as an Artist
When Jon first decided he wanted to make a living by selling his art, he encountered many challenges because he didn’t have a job where he got paid every week. Jon also had to believe in himself because most people he knew told him it was too hard to make money being an artist.
Even though Jon’s paintings were beautiful, he first had to think through how to find people who wanted to buy his art because at that time, the internet did not exist. Jon and his wife, Gail, decided they would travel around the United States showing his work at art shows, festivals, and county fairs.
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Learning how to turn my passion into a business meant multi-tasking. Along with staying focused on painting, I needed to add framing, marketing, advertising, selling, and keeping the books to my list of daily tasks. For a single-minded guy like me, that was tough. I always tell young people who want my advice on how to begin an art career that they need to get a degree in business along with their art.
Finding my audience was another big challenge. During those early years, I traveled thousands of miles around the country, showing my work at art festivals, mall shows, and county fairs. Luckily, I enjoyed traveling and was always searching for nostalgic scenes to paint. I had to learn to paint in less-than-ideal circumstances when I was on the road so much, using every spare moment to keep the paint flowing. These days, finding your audience would be a very different experience because of our modern technology. But the main point is that the artist has to do the hard work of seeking and putting him/herself out there. Those buyers can’t find you if you’re not actively promoting yourself.
One other big issue for me was convincing others that being an artist was a real job. I majored in Fine Art in college, and there were those who suggested I probably could not make a living as an artist and should have a backup plan. I remember a car rental office would not rent a car to me when I put “artist" down as my occupation. When instead I said “How about businessman?”, the keys were handed over. Early in my career, I was unable to get credit at a local bank because I didn’t have an employer. Establishing credibility early in an art career demands what my wife refers to as my best asset: “grim determination.”
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(View the “America’s Holiday Tree” image in the gallery)
In 1997, the Christmas Tree for the United States Capitol in Washington, DC was donated by South Dakota and Jon Crane was chosen to paint the official picture of the tree. Jon named the painting, “America’s Holiday Tree”.
View Jon’s paintings on his website: Jon Crane Gallery & Custom Framing
Watch an INTERVIEW with Jon Crane
A Breath of Fresh Air
Not surprising, Jon and his wife, Gail, have spent a great deal of time exploring the outdoors and enjoying nature. Jon’s paintings reflect his love of the outdoors and capture the simple beauty of South Dakota and America.
Besides painting, traveling and fishing are two Jon’s favorite activities!
Art in School is Essential
“As a young person in school, I was able to create my identity through the arts. The core subjects could not hold my interest, but I remained engaged through the creative opportunities presented in the classroom. Art helps a person think beyond the mundane. It’s an important part of every aspect of our lives. Creativity helps us define, capture, and pursue our dreams. It allows us to appreciate beauty which can provide a deep sense of well-being. If we’re not allowed to dream and think creatively as young people, we may lose that ability for a lifetime”.
Charitable Work
Jon and Gail have used his art to help others in South Dakota.
In 2023, the Annual JON CRANE Children’s Home Society of South Dakota Benefit Auction celebrated its 17th year. This charity event has raised more than 898,900.00 over the years.
Other organizations Jon and Gail support are:
Black Hills Flyfishers Association
Black Hills Historic Preservation Trust
Ducks Unlimited
George S. Mickelson Trail
National Wild Turkey Federation
Pheasants Forever
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Reflection:
After learning about Jon, you know he said painting is “just part of me”. Is there anything that is just part of you?
When you look at Jon’s paintings what do you notice?
Jon explained he faced many challenges as an artist, especially when he first started. What leadership traits do you think Jon must have that helped him become successful?
Looking at Jon’s paintings on the Jon Crane Gallery & Custom Framing website, do you have a favorite? Discuss why you like it.
How does Jon’s life inspire you?
Jon spent five years in the U.S. Airforce and piloted the Northrop T-38 Talon.
