It wasn’t a typical phone call for a guy who paints cowboy art. The caller was a representative for George Lucas-yes, that George Lucas, the producer of “Star Wars” fame—who was soliciting art samples for an upcoming book in which Lucas wanted his legendary characters depicted imaginatively in different genres. As Idaho artist Nelson Boren talked to the caller, he pondered the assignment with his usual wit. Nelson Boren (Idaho) Flowers Don’t Lie Watercolor 14″x14″ I’ve always loved the contrast between rough leather and soft flowers. Most cowboys I know are rough on the outside, but have soft hearts. Nelson
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Archives for Portrait
A Successful Gamble
I think the Lord gives you talent,but you have to sacrifice. You have to pay your dues.” So says Jim Norton, who did indeed pay his dues as he followed his dream of becoming an artist. He studied, he painted when he was dog tired after working a full-time job to support his growing family and, with the support of his wife Pam, he gambled on his talent taking him where he wanted to go. Jim Norton (Utah) Maza Waken Oil 52″ By 40″ Maza Waken was the name the Sioux gave the gun. They believed it was a very
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You Do What You Have To Do
Life hasn’t always been easy for Joan Potter, but it has been good. How, you might be wondering, can that be? Like other artists we have featured within the pages of this magazine, Potter struggled early in her career, but her talent, combined with her determination, has resulted in both professional, and personal, fulfillment. Joan Potter (New Mexico) Jodi Oil 14″ By 14″ I asked Jodi to sit for me, because I always thought she had a wonderful look, much like an Indian. Joan Potter (New Mexico) Peonies Oil 24″ By 22″ No other flowers are as sensual for me.
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If There’s No Passion, There’s No Power
Carrie Ballantyne the woman is best described as a free spirit. Carrie Ballantyne the artist is best described as incredibly talented. Carrie Ballantyne (Wyoming) Bronc Rider – Circa 1980 Oil 24″ By 14.5″ This particular rodeo cowboy from the 1980s had a ranching background. His style and attitude made painting his portrait a must. But more than his personality, it was a mood I was after in this painting. Carrie Ballantyne (Wyoming) Buckaroo GQ Oil 20″ By 13″ The Great Plains buckaroos have always had a stylish flair in their particular attire and gear.
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The Magical Human Form
Bryce Cameron Liston will be the first to tell you, unabashedly, that he is a self-taught artist. He\’Wll also tell you that the distinction has disadvantages and advantages. Bryce Cameron Liston (Utah) …And Everything Nice Oil 24″ By 16″ This piece is the first in a series of paintings I’ve done portraying the act of a woman getting ready. So much thought and time goes into a woman’s appearance, unlike men, who just put on some pants and a shirt and are ready to go. For women, it’s almost more of a ceremonial ritual, one that I find intriguing and
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The Romance Lives On
Howard Rogers is a romantic. From his soft and sultry paintings of beautiful women to his depictions of rugged, hard-working cowboys and the horses they ride, he admits that romance is at the heart of his work. Howard Rogers (Arizona) Spring In The Gros Ventres Oil 24″ By 30″ July is like spring in the high country. This is a good representation of the parade of color to be found there. Howard Rogers (Arizona) The Notch Oil 40″ By 30″ This is a mountain formation high in the Gros Ventre Mountains, not far from Jackson, Wyoming. The Darwin Ranch was
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Telling Stories in His Own Way
Mian Situ remembers his grandfather and the hard times in China very well. And it is, perhaps, the memories of his grandfather and the sacrifices he made that in some way color Situ’s paintings. Mian Situ (California) Chinatown Merchants Oil 32″ By 38″ F. S., 1905 Mian Situ (California) Move On To Yuba River Oil 52″ By 47″
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It’s Still Hard Work
One of Jason Rich’s earliest memories is of sitting in church, watching his father sketch horses “to keep me quiet,” he says. Not only did those sketches keep the young boy quiet, they set the stage for what would become a driving force in his life. Today, Rich is a successful fine artist whose paintings of the cowboy lifestyle, along with some Native American scenes, have earned him spots in several prestigious shows and an impressive list of collectors. Jason Rich In The Morning Light Oil 24″ X 32″ Jason Rich Setting Sun Oil 24″ X 30″
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Pencil Passion
Long doesn’t want her drawings to look like photographs, but when people tell her they look better than photographs, she considers it a compliment. “Then I feel I’ve gone beyond the reference material,” she says. “I feel I was able to go into the subject and elicit the mood I was trying to capture.” Karmel Timmons Partners Pencil 23″ By 16″ Brenda Murphy One Of The Big Boys Pencil 13″ By 19″ Mary Buchholz First Chill Pencil 24″ By 18″
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The Human Element
A superb technician and master craftsman, Chicago-based painter, Scott Tallman Powers, has been described as a “painter’s painter.” Scott Tallman Powers (Wyoming) The Necklace Seller Oil 12″ By 9″ Scott Tallman Powers (Wyoming) What She Has-San Miguel De Allende Oil 18″ By 24″
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