Crystal Orlando’s life and art intertwine beautifully—a vibrant dance of resilience, passion, and reverence for the natural world. Born and raised beneath the vast skies of Central Texas ranchlands, Crystal's earliest memories are infused with animals, particularly horses, and artistry. At around eight years old, a quiet afternoon turned magical when, guided by her father’s teachings, she skillfully summoned a flock of wild turkeys into her backyard, walking proudly among them with two gently tucked beneath her arms. Even then, the universe seemed to hint that Crystal had a rare gift for connection, and art was her truest language.
Crystal’s fascination with animals shaped her path: at twelve years old, she began working at a horse barn in exchange for riding lessons, laying the groundwork for a deep, lifelong bond with horses. She nurtured an early passion for equine veterinary medicine, earning her A.A.S. specializing in Equine Science from North Central Texas College in Gainesville, TX. Her journey led her to become a professional horse trainer, working with renowned facilities in Texas and southern Oklahoma, including Leroy Ashcraft World Champion Cutting Horses, and a former United States Polo Association certified umpire, Joe Bishop. Yet, even amidst these successes, her heart whispered of another calling.
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Primarily self-taught, Crystal began selling her intricate charcoal and graphite drawings at a young age. Meticulously crafting each piece, she captures the soul of animals with unparalleled depth and emotion. Her work speaks not only of her subjects’ beauty but echoes a deeper narrative—the power of perseverance, the strength to rise, and the incredible wonder of life itself.
In 2020, life tested Crystal with a diagnosis of breast cancer, yet even in her darkest moments, art remained her sanctuary, a lifeline intertwined with her fierce love for the creatures that inspired her since childhood. Her triumphant recovery further cemented her art as a profound testament to thriving against all odds. Crystal’s resilience shines through every piece she creates, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
Crystal’s remarkable achievements include prestigious awards such as 2024 Artist of the Year from Cowgirl Artists of America and accolades from the Desert Caballeros Western Museum and the University of Texas Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Her captivating work has journeyed internationally, displayed from Kensington Palace in London to esteemed galleries in Jackson Hole and Dubai.
Today, from her peaceful studio nestled in Moody, Texas, alongside her daughter, Crystal continues to craft heartfelt tributes to the magnificent animals she loves—each drawing a powerful affirmation that we are capable of thriving, and every life is a profound miracle worth celebrating.
AWARDS:
2024 Allied Artists of America Finalist
2024 Strokes of Genius 16, Finalist
2024 Special Museum Acquisition, Western Museum of Art, Wickenburg, AZ
2024 Best on Canvas, Cowgirl Up, Wickenburg, AZ
2024 Cowgirl Artist of The Year, Cowgirl Artists of America
2023 Patrons Award, Mountain Oyster, Tuscan, AZ
2023 Publishers Award, American Plains Artists, Pearce Museum, Corsicana, TX
2023 Gold Metal Drawing, Bosque Classic, Clifton, TX
2023 Purchase Award, Bosque Classic, Clifton, TX
2022 16th ARC Salon Semi-Finalist, and Finalist
2021 15th ARC Salon Finalist
2013 Emerging Artist of the Year, Art Galleries and Artists of The South Magazine
2011 Best of Show, Moody Art Show, Moody, TX
2010 Best of Show, Moody Art Show, Moody, TX
2008 Award of Excellence, Barclay, Temple, TX
2007 Best of Show, Barclay, Temple, TX
EXHIBITIONS:
2025 42nd Roundup, The Museum of Western Art, Kerrville, TX
2025 Cowgirl Up, Wickenberg, AZ
2024 Mountain Oyster, Tuscan, AZ
2024 Small Works Great Wonders, National Cowboy Museum, OK City, OK
2024 Allied Artists of America online exhibit
2024 Bosque Classic, Clifton, TX
2024 Woman’s Work, Cowgirl Artists of America, A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art, Trinidad, CO
2024 Cowgirl-Up, Wickenburg, AZ
2023 Mountain Oyster, Tuscan, AZ
2023 Bosque Classic, Clifton, TX
2023 American Plains Show, Peirce Museum, Corsicana, TX
2023 Group Exhibition Cowgirl Artists of America, Cowgirl Gathering Invitational, Ft Worth,, TX
2022 Group Exhibition Cowgirl Artists of America, Cowgirl Gathering Invitational, Ft Worth TX
2022 16th International ARC Salon Semi-Finalist, and Finalist
2021 15th International ARC Salon Finalist
2020 Group Exhibition, Azalee Marshal, Temple, TX
2018 Group Exhibition, 307 Jackson Gallery, Jackson Hole, WY
Art and Mind Art Auction, Kensington Palace, London England
2017 Solo Exhibition, Orlando Studio Gallery, Temple, TX
2016 Group Exhibition, Thunderbird Artists, Carefree, AZ
Group Exhibition, Western Trappings on the Llano, Llano, TX
Solo Exhibition, University of Texas Wildflower Center, Austin, TX
Solo Exhibition, Orlando Studio Gallery, Temple, TX
2015 Solo Exhibition, Undefeated, Jackson Hole, WY
Group Exhibition, Western Trappings on the Llano Museum, Llano, TX
Group Exhibition, Brass House, Austin, TX
2014 Group Exhibition, Griffith Fine Art Gallery, Salado, TX
Solo Exhibition, Close Encounters, Howard Gallery, Temple, TX
Art Gala Auction, University of TX Wildflower Center, Austin, TX
Group Exhibition, Historic District, Dallas, TX
2013 Group Exhibition, Griffith Fine Art Gallery, Salado, TX
Art Gala Auction, University of 2012 Group Exhibition, TX Wildflower Center, Austin, TX
2011 Group Exhibition, Griffith Fine Art Gallery, Salado, TX
Moody Art Show, Moody, TX
2010 Teacher / Protégé Show, Temple, TX
Group Exhibition, Griffith Fine Art Gallery, Salado, TX
International Juried Art Show, Ingram, TX
Moody Art Show Moody, TX
2009 Teacher / Protégé Show, Temple, TX
2006 Mother / Daughter Exhibition, Scott and White Hospital Gallery, Temple, TX
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PUBLICATIONS:
2024 Art and Color magazine
2024 Strokes of Genius 16
2024 PleinAir Magazine September
2024 Art Of The Cowgirl January event program
2024 Art Of The West Magazine Guidebook
2024 Art Of The West Magazine, Jan/Feb
2023 Art Of The West Magazine, May/June
2017 Tex Appeal Magazine, Texas Young Professionals Edition
2013 Art Galleries and Artists of the South Magazine, Vol 10, Issue 1, Emerging Artist of the Year
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PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
2023-American Plains Artists
2022-Present Cowgirl Artists of America Signature Member
2016-2017 Owner Orlando Studio Gallery
2016-Present Vice President of Western Graphite Guild
2015-2017 Manager Advantage Picture Framing and Gallery
2014-2017 Vice President of The Ringholz Foundation for the Arts
2012 WAOW Woman Artists of the West
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REPRESENTATION:
2025 Davis & Blevins Gallery, Saint Jo, TX
2024-2025 Wildfire Gallery on Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK
2022-2023 Windberg Fine Art Center, Georgetown, TX
2019-Present Amaran Gallery, Jackson Hole, WY
2018-2021 Art London Dubai, London England and Dubai
2018-2019 307 Jackson Gallery, Jackson Hole, WY
2016-2017 Orlando Studio Gallery, Temple, TX
2015-2017 National Museum of Wildlife Art Gift Shop, Jackson Hole, WY
2014 The Blue Horse, Waco, TX
2013-2016 Taos Fine Art, Taos, NM
2010-2024 Griffith Fine Art Gallery, Salado, TX
2007-2009 A Work of Art Gallery, Temple, TX
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PERMANENT COLLECTION/MUSEUM ACQUISITIONS:
Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenberg, AZ
Bosque Classic Art Museum, Clifton, TX
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SELECT PERMANENT & PRIVATE COLLECTIONS:
Christina Alexander Voros, TX
Bull Creek Brewing Co, Liberty Hill, TX
Dell Computers, Round Rock, TX
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Leweling, Temple, TX
Mr. and Mrs. Regi Stone, Inlet Beach, FL
Mr. and Mrs. Al Stanford, Dallas, TX
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Braun, Belton, TX
Mr. Chris Jaques, Aztec, NM
Ms. Cindy Myers, Kempner, TX
Ms. Donna Ingram, Round Rock, TX
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lanfer, Austin, TX
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Curren, Georgetown, TX
Mrs. Rita Hurd, Belton, TX
Mr. David Churchill, Alberta Canada
Mr. Larry Jezek, Temple, TX
Mrs. Ronnie Runyan, NM