Paul Burnett was an American leather artist, author, and educator widely regarded as one of the most accomplished figures in modern leathercraft. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, he was the first recipient of the Al Stohlman Award, an honor recognizing exceptional contributions to leathercraft education and artistry. Burnett is best known for his highly detailed pictorial leather carving, which set a benchmark for realism, composition, and artistic discipline within the craft.

Through his artwork, books, patterns, and instructional videos, Burnett influenced generations of leatherworkers. His educational materials remain foundational for those studying advanced carving and artistic leatherwork.

Early life and education

Paul Burnett was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong aptitude for drawing and visual composition, skills that later defined his leatherwork. His interest in art extended into formal study, where he developed a grounding in illustration and design principles that would later inform his approach to leather carving.

Burnett also served in the United States Army and was stationed in Europe. During his military service, he continued to develop his artistic skills, refining his understanding of form, proportion, and visual storytelling. These experiences shaped both his creative discipline and his respect for craftsmanship.

When he turned to leathercraft, Burnett approached the material as a legitimate artistic surface rather than a purely decorative medium. This perspective set his work apart and became central to his influence as both an artist and educator.

Career

Artistic development and PaintingCow

Burnett became best known for complex pictorial leatherwork depicting wildlife, Western scenes, and narrative compositions rendered with exceptional clarity. His ability to translate drawing and painting principles into leather through carving, beveling, and controlled shading allowed him to create pieces with depth, movement, and strong visual structure.

Much of his work and teaching was shared through his studio and educational identity, PaintingCow. Under this name, Burnett produced original artwork alongside instructional materials that reflected his belief that leathercraft could function as a true visual art form. His finished pieces were widely admired within the leathercraft community and frequently referenced as examples of what disciplined artistic leatherwork could achieve.

Teaching and educational impact

Education was central to Burnett’s career. He authored books and patterns that explored advanced carving techniques, pictorial layout, and the translation of two-dimensional art into leather. These publications became essential references for leatherworkers seeking to move beyond standard decorative approaches.

Burnett also produced instructional video series that offered direct insight into his working process. Rather than simplifying techniques, he demonstrated the planning, patience, and control required to achieve complex results. His teaching emphasized strong drawing skills, disciplined practice, and a deep respect for fundamentals.

He taught extensively through workshops, trade shows, and affiliations with major leathercraft organizations, including Tandy Leather and Leather Crafters Journal. Many accomplished leather artists credit Burnett’s books, videos, or classes as pivotal influences in their development.

Awards and recognition

In 1983, Burnett became the first recipient of the Al Stohlman Award. The honor recognized both his artistic mastery and his foundational role in advancing leathercraft education.

Published works and instructional materials

• Painting with Leather

• The Art of Making Leather Pictures

• Advanced Leather Carving Patterns

• Pictorial leather carving pattern collections

• PaintingCow instructional video series

• Commercially released leathercraft teaching DVDs

Video and media highlights

• Paul Burnett Pictorial Carving Demonstration
  A recorded session illustrating his approach to composition, depth, and realism in leather carving.

• PaintingCow Instructional Excerpts
  Selected segments from his teaching videos showing carving and shading techniques.

Frequently asked questions

What is Paul Burnett best known for in leathercraft?
He is best known for highly detailed pictorial leather carving that elevated leathercraft as a visual art form.

Why is Paul Burnett important to leathercraft education?
He produced influential books, patterns, and videos that taught advanced carving and composition in a disciplined, art-focused way.

What is PaintingCow?
PaintingCow was Burnett’s studio and educational identity, under which he shared artwork and instructional materials.

What was significant about the Al Stohlman Award he received?
He was the first recipient, recognizing his foundational impact on leathercraft education and artistic standards.

External links

• PaintingCow official website

• Elktracks Studio profile: Paul Burnett, 1983 Al Stohlman Award Winner

Sources for this article:

• Commercial Appeal obituary for Paul Burnett

• Elktracks Studio artist profile and award materials

• PaintingCow website and published instructional materials

• Leathercraft books, patterns, and instructional videos by Paul Burnett

Written By: Michael Magnus
Edited By:
Contributions By:

Want to add something or see something that needs correcting? Our goal is to have a complete and accurate resource for the industry. Please reach out to us via our Contact page and share any additional information that would be helpful.