Archives for Portrait

The Art of Breaking Rules

The Art of Breaking Rules

March 22, 2014 | by

Dan Bodelson is a rebel. Not a James Dean kind of rebel, not a rebel without a cause, but rather one whose focus is art. You see, so much about art, according to Bodelson, has to do with defying the rules—in essence, rebelling. “In fact, there are no rules,” he says. “Because, if someone says ‘You can’t do that and don’t mix that color with that [other one],’ the first thing an artist will go and do is just what you said not to. Dan Bodelson (New Mexico) Too Cold to Ride Oil 40″ x 30″ “I came across this
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Home is Where the Horses Are

Home is Where the Horses Are

January 22, 2014 | by

When Jim Rey’s mom died a few years ago, he found some of his childhood drawings that she had saved in a box. The pencil drawings, which Rey had done when he was just 4 or 5 years old, were of horses and cattle. Which is what Rey, now 74, is still drawing and painting. “It’s not something I’m going to outgrow,” he says. “I just really like the subject matter. I like painting the Western experience, so that’s what I’ll keep doing.” Jim Rey (Nebraska) Point Rider Oil 36” by 24” “I vacillated between choosing to do this painting
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Making Them Proud

Making Them Proud

November 25, 2013 | by

Artistic talent cannot be taught; rather it is birthed by a passion that lies deep within the heart and soul. There is no more shining example of this truism than reflecting on the prolific oeuvre created by Arizona-based sculptor Bill Nebeker during an amazing career that has spanned nearly four decades. Born November 13, 1942, in Twin Falls, Idaho, Nebeker’s early values were shaped by life in the small ranching and farming community. Although he spent many youthful hours whittling images of dogs, horses, miniature saddles, and even small sailing ships from unused wood he found on the family farm,
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A Glimpse of My Soul

A Glimpse of My Soul

November 25, 2013 | by

The setting sun paints dramatic colors on the nearby 7,000-foot peaks as Karin and Wayne Hollebeke wrap up their ranching chores. Pumping water by hand from their well, they are both reminded of the pioneer lifestyle that was once prominent in this part of rural Utah. The Hollebeke ranch is certainly quieter since Wayne retired from law enforcement nine years ago. The cattle are gone and only three horses remain. But gardening and canning are still high on the list as summer winds down, and after that there might be a little daylight left for fly-fishing. With fewer ranching responsibilities,
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‘The Pioneer Spirit is Alive and Well’

‘The Pioneer Spirit is Alive and Well’

September 25, 2013 | by

Sheep wandering through Aspen groves in their high mountain pasture, knee high snow drifts blanketing hillsides and valleys, a cowhand working a herd of cattle, youngsters doing their daily chores. These scenes are familiar to artist Grant Redden, whose paintings celebrate the pioneer traditions and unspoiled beauty found in the southwestern corner of Wyoming, where the 53-year-old artist was born, raised, and still resides. Grant Redden (Wyoming) Gathering Potatoes Oil 16˝ by 20˝ “Pioneer girls and their mothers worked hard—as hard as men—to carve out a life and survive. My daughter had to go out and pick potatoes anyway, so
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‘It’s Always an Adventure’

‘It’s Always an Adventure’

September 25, 2013 | by

Charles Warren “C.W.” Mundy’s art career began during vacation Bible school. At 7, he already had a reputation as a bit of a troublemaker. He had been kicked out of kindergarten for making too much noise, getting in fights, and objecting loudly to the idea of a mid-day nap. But that summer, the teacher at vacation Bible school in Mundy’s hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana, where he still lives today, tried a new idea to keep him under control: She assigned him to make a poster for the daily program and hang it in the church. C.W. Mundy (Indiana) Portrait of
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‘Let’s Just Paint’

‘Let’s Just Paint’

July 25, 2013 | by

When she was a senior in high school, Barbara Edwards met a recruiter from Utah State University, who had brought with him original artworks created by several of the professors there. Included was what Barbara describes as a “gorgeous painting by Glen Edwards.” Today, whenever she wants to view one of his paintings, all Barbara has to do is turn her head. She and Glen have been married for 37 years now and happily paint in the same studio at their home north of Salt Lake City, Utah. “We paint side by side,” she says. “Our easels are about five
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A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MAN

A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MAN

July 25, 2013 | by

T.D. Kelsey would readily agree that he is living a life that many would envy. An award-winning sculptor, he divides his time between Texas and Wyoming. A former commercial pilot, he can jump into the cockpit of one of his planes and take to the skies whenever the mood hits, or saddle up one of his horses and go for a ride. It is a life that suits the talented artist—and suits him well. T.D.Kelsey (Texas) Pick Pocket Bronze 17″ By 21″ “While cheeking this bronc around to get on, this cowboy almost gets his chaps removed.” This sculpture was
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Art is the Air I Breathe

Art is the Air I Breathe

May 25, 2013 | by

Gordon Snidow made his name painting the American cowboy, something he’s been doing for more than five decades now. Although he has added other subjects to his repertoire over the years, when you mention his name, it’s almost sure to evoke images of the cowboy and the American West Gordon Snidow (New Mexico) Roll Out The Barrel Gouache 28″ X 17″ Having a working season that was long and tough, it’s time to roll out the barrel and have a good time Gordon Snidow (New Mexico) Old Glory Gouache 25″ X 13″ Did you ever see a rodeo parade without
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The Real Deal

The Real Deal

May 25, 2013 | by

“My goal was to go to ranches, hang out, chase cows, and paint. It still is”. So says Tom Dorr, whose cowboy paintings are so eagerly sought after that he struggles to keep up with the demand for his work. While he attributes part of that situation to the fact that he keeps his prices at a reasonable level, there is no denying his skill in portraying the men who are, in essence, his heroes. Tom Dorr (Arizona) Across Shallow Creek Oil 30″ By 40″ Scenery is always a part of the cowboy’s everyday work. The Hassayampa River can be
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