It was a compliment of the highest order and one that Julie Nighswonger treasures. While exhibiting her paintings at an art show, she watched as a little girl walked up to a painting of a small horse, which was hanging low in Nighswonger’s booth—and kissed it. Sure, awards are appreciated and are validation of work well done, says the Wyoming artist, but a kiss—wow!

Nighswonger has won her share of awards. Her first was the Artists’ Choice Award at the Wyoming State Fair in 2003; her most recent was the People’s Choice Award at Cowgirl Up! last year. A member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society and a signature member of American Women Artists, her life today is something she had never imagined as she followed other paths over the years.

Read the full article in the January/February 2022 issue.

Pasture Pals

Oil
18” by 18”

“Spring is one of the best times of the year, as you can find new babies filling the pastures. It is a joy to watch them running and playing with each other. In this painting, these two have become best friends, enjoying the warm sunshine.”

Day Work

Charcoal
30” by 32”

“This was a moment in time that I knew I wanted to capture—to show the American cowboy at work, confident and steady in a setting that can become quite chaotic. Hopefully, you can feel the dust and smell the cattle as they are worked and moved to the summer pasture.”