Western Art - 15 Top Western Artists to Follow
Beautiful paintings of the American West have captivated people’s imaginations and hearts for centuries. This distinct genre of work, which features expansive landscapes, wild animals, open skies, and a culture of independence reflects the core of American values.
Below is a list of some of the most exciting painters alive today divided into three categories by subject: still life and figurative, landscape, and wildlife.
Western Still Life and Figurative Painters
Mark Maggiori made his way to America from Europe after a successful career in music. His works, which feature richly colored landscapes with signature puffy clouds and the Taos Pueblo people, are highly sought after.
“Hold On To What Is Good” painting by artist Mark Maggiori.
Follow him on Instagram.
Logan Maxwell Hagege paints stylized portraits of the Taos Pueblo people and saturated desert landscapes.
“The Man From Bylas” painting by artist Logan Maxwell Hagege.
Follow him on Instagram.
Roseta Santiago captures individuals’ complexities with a combination of flat blocks of color and delicately blended layers in her light-filled portraits.
"Corn Maiden" painting by artist Roseta Santiago.
Follow her on Instagram.
John Coleman has a love for history and mythology and is known for his lifelike bronze sculptures and realistic paintings.
“Oracle Of The Buffalo Nation” painting by artist John Coleman.
Follow him on Instagram.
Kyle Polzin paints hyperrealistic still lifes featuring classic subjects. He often goes to great lengths to find reference or will create the objects from scratch himself.
“Buffalo Shield” painting by artist Kyle Polzin.
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Jeremy Lipking is known to create realistic, moody portraits and landscapes with dramatic shadows and an almost eerie sense of solitude.
“A Mother’s Blessing” painting by artist Jeremy Lipking.
Follow him on Instagram.
Western Landscape Artists
Brett Allen Johnson paints the desert landscape of the American Southwest in a very recognizable style that balances hard edges and subtle shadows.
“Marble Towers” painting by artist Brett Allen Johnson.
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Whitney Gardner softens harsh climates in her rhythmic oil paintings.
“Monument of Dust” painting by artist Whitney Gardner.
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Howard Post has been an artist and cowboy for decades. He depicts scenes of the American West with a distinct and vivid palette.
“Moving the Corrientes” painting by artist Howard Post.
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T. Allen Lawson paints landscapes that have an old world feel to them.
“The Two Of Us” painting by artist T. Allen Lawson.
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Josh Elliott captures the bold light and vibrant hues of Southwest landscapes in his paintings.
“Frozen Opalescence” painting by artist Josh Elliott (image courtesy of Instagram). Follow him on Instagram.
Western Wildlife Artists
Nikita Coulombe paints striking portraits of wildlife with a focus on birds of prey.
“Your Time Will Come (Great Horned Owl)” painting by artist Nikita Coulombe.
Follow her on Instagram.
“What We Leave Behind” painting by Nikita Coulombe.
View more of her work here.
Kenneth Peloke paints oversized black and white works of horses, buffalo, as well as abstract portraits of cowboys.
“Lone Star” painting of a bison by artist Kenneth Peloke.
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John Perry Baumlin likes to refer to material from his extensive travels through the American West and Africa in his artwork.
“Cliff Dweller” painting by artist John Perry Baumlin.
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Daniel Smith is one of the best-known painters of animals in the world.
“Winter Alert” painting by artist Daniel Smith.
Follow him on Instagram.
List of Western Artists
I hope the paintings in this article have been inspiring. If an image stood out to you or you’d like to discover more artwork, the website of each artist mentioned is listed below. Many times you can buy directly from the artist or commission a work of art:
List of Western Art Galleries
You can also build your collection and shop for the perfect piece via the galleries listed below:
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Altamira Fine Art - Contemporary Western artwork.
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Broadmoor Galleries - Traditional American and Western art.
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Claggett/Rey Gallery - Traditional American and Western art.
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Gerald Peters Gallery - Modern art and artwork from the past two centuries.
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Insight Gallery - Western art and art consulting services.
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J Watson Fine Art - Original works and limited edition prints.
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J.N. Bartfield Galleries - American, Western, and sporting art.
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Legacy Gallery - Representational and impressionistic western art.
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Manitou Galleries - Contemporary representational paintings, sculpture, prints, glass, and fine jewelry.
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Maxwell Alexander Galleries - Contemporary western art and contemporary realism.
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Medicine Man Gallery - Art made by modern Native Americans as well as antique pottery, baskets, accessories, and jewelry.
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Mountain Trails Gallery - Representational and impressionistic western artwork.
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Settlers West - Contemporary and traditional western art.
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Sorrel Sky Gallery - Contemporary Western and traditional art, and jewelry.
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Trailside Galleries - Representational Western art.
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Visions West Contemporary - Contemporary and abstract western art with an air of mischief.
List of Western-Themed Art Auctions and Festivals
Another way to find unique Western decor items at a variety of price points is through art auctions and festivals:
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Bonhams’ Western Art Auction - Historically significant works.
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Coeur d'Alene Art Auction - Classic and contemporary Western art auction house.
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Cowboy Artists of America - Annual exhibition and sale of art dedicated to cowboy culture and community.
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Heritage Auctions - Historically significant works.
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Hindman Auctions - Western and contemporary Native American art.
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Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival - Takes place annually in September.
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Lone Star Art Auction - Specializes in American, Western, and sporting art.
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March in Montana - Art, sculpture, Cowboy and Indian collectibles.
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Mountain Oyster Club - Annual show and sale of established and emerging traditional and contemporary art.
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Santa Fe Art Auction - Carefully curated selection of paintings, prints, and objects.
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Scottsdale Art Auction - Historically significant works as well as works from living artists.
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Southeastern Wildlife Exposition - Festival featuring a curated collection of paintings and sculptures.
List of Western Art Museums
Learn even more about Western art history and culture through these museums:
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Amon Carter Museum - Their museum collection includes many paintings by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.
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Autry Museum - Art, history, and culture of the American West.
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Booth Museum - Large permanent exhibition of art and photos as well as contemporary exhibits.
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Briscoe Western Art Museum - Focuses on the history and heritage of the American West through art and artifacts.
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C.M. Russell Museum - Primarily features the work of Charles M. Russell.
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Eiteljorg Museum - Highlights the lives and stories of the people of North America through art.
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Gilcrease Museum - Contains a comprehensive collection of artifacts and art.
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James Museum - Western and wildlife art history.
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National Cowboy Museum - Hosts the annual Prix de West art competition and show.
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National Museum of Wildlife Art - Celebrates the history of wildlife art and our relationship with nature through art.
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Phippen Museum - Exhibits cowboy and Native American-themed art.
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Rockwell Museum - Large collection of Western and Native American art.
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Sid Richardson Museum - Permanent collection of Western masterworks, including letters, photos, and other articles of interest.
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The Museum of Western Art - Features artwork from living artists from around the country.
List of Related Magazines
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