Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/340625
48 | www.cedmag.com | Construction Equipment Distribution | July 2014 A Closer Look Translating the pride of the construction industry into rich, meaningful images has dominated the work of veteran fine arts painter, Brad Burns, for the past 14 years. With distinctive color, shadow and detail Burns is commu- nicating the passion, commitment and effort invested in building projects across the U.S. and countries abroad. Working in combined digital and traditional painting mediums, Burns has created portraits of machines, work- men and company owners for patrons that include the Engineering and Utility Contractors Association (EUCA) offices in San Ramon, Calif., Preston Pipelines Inc. and Allied North America Insurance, both in Milpitas, Calif. Burns' career as a professional art director began in Cali- fornia with Silicon Valley companies there who sought his work in advertising, marketing collateral, high-tech packag- ing, branding and other communication tools. In the late 1990s, when Burns was commissioned to create paintings for EUCA, a trade association representing union-affiliated contractors throughout the Western United States, his career took a significantly new direction. "It wasn't unusual for me to create cover and spot illustrations for art directors of various construction publications," Burns said. "The monthly 'EUCA' magazine paintings were created for use as covers. After that cover series came out, I began receiving calls from contractors who needed art for their offices. They wanted paintings that highlighted their passion for their work and reflect their commitment to the industry that helped make them successful." The first pieces Burns created were often "tried and true excavators," special construction projects or a significant founder or company employee. "My first large scale in-house art installation was for Mike Preston, CEO of Preston Pipelines," Burns said. "He Artist Captures the Drama, Strength of Construction on Canvas Painter Brad Burns – whose magnificent commissioned works are displayed in prestigious offices around the world – has nothing but elated clients. BY LORETTA SORENSEN "Quarry Cats" is displayed in the foyer of an underground utilities company in Northern California.