For those who love art and artifacts of the West, handwoven textiles are a fabulous way to infuse Native American history and anthropology into your collection. Textiles created by the Diné, or Navajo, in particular, carry hints of family lineage through symbolism, the wool itself,...
While some galleries have come and gone, others have maintained their presence for a substantial time, and Settlers West Galleries in Tucson, Arizona, could be a record-setter. Equipped with master’s degrees in American history and business administration, Stuart Johnson founded the gallery 54 years ago...
Stephanie Rose’s ethereal oil paintings reimagine the Western landscape as dreamlike scenes existing in a liminal space between realism and abstraction. “I’m more interested in non-visual sensory observation of nature,” she says of paintings that aim to capture more of the feeling of scenes she...
Maia Chávez Larkin simultaneously pays tribute to the past while looking to the future in oil-and-ink paintings of contemporary Western life. She achieves that challenging feat through a self-assured style that combines the restrained elegance of classic early- and mid-20th-century illustrators, the exuberance of greats...
Jesse Littlebird’s joyfully provocative paintings remind some viewers of urban street murals. Still others note the undeniable influence of his Indigenous Southwestern heritage, evident in tribal figures, symbols, and patterns. Those with a taste for subversion might also savor his appropriate approach, championed by 20th-century...
Christy Stallop focuses on depicting Central Texas icons in vivid oil paintings that combine eye-catching realism and good humor. Take, for instance, Feathered Vigilante, from her series featuring the unofficial bird of Austin, where she lives 20 minutes west of downtown. “Grackles are everywhere here,”...
Western American art continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts, with nationwide auctions and events showcasing artwork that honors the region’s culture, history, and diverse voices. From depictions of cowboy life on the ranch to groundbreaking Native American artistry and contemporary interpretations of Western life, the...
A sweet, fantastical origin story is attached to acclaimed pastel artist Lisa Gleim’s lifelong love for animals. “My father always told me that I was ‘born into a litter of puppies’ because when I was born, our golden retriever had just given birth to 12.”...
During his decades-long, successful illustration career, when Robert Rodriguez imagined himself eventually moving into fine art, he was clear about what he didn’t want to do. He was not interested in imagery that was dramatic or grandiose. He didn’t see himself using gaudy colors. And...
"Happiness,” sculptor Sabin Howard says, “is fleeting. Purpose gets you out of bed every day.” Howard’s all-consuming purpose for the last decade has been a 58-foot bronze sculpture featuring 38 larger-than-life-size figures moving through a cinematic homage to the men and women of World War...