30 Sep Artist of the Week
Every week, we feature an artist from our permanent Western Art Collection. Below are names of past “Artist of the Week”
ROY GRINNELL
Roy Grinnell (1933 – 2019) was an award-winning artist from California with a diverse background in art. He was best known for his subjects in aviation and Western art and was a member of the Cowboy Artists of America. He was also skilled in realistic portraiture, wildlife, and illustrative painting. His piece “Howdy Rose, Remember Me?” depicts the Pearce Museum’s founders, Chuck and Peggy Pearce, in a historical fiction setting, and is one of the museum’s signature paintings.
www.roygrinnellart.com
Roy’s works in our permanent collection:
Howdy Rose, Remember Me?
Battle of Glorietta Pass
Her Golden Years
The Outlaw Kid
Parting Company
HOWARD TERPNING
Howard Terpning (b.1927) is one of the most acclaimed painters in the Western art genre. He first gained attention for his detailed illustrative works, including movie posters for famous films such as Dr. Zhivago, The Sound of Music, and the 1967 re-release of Gone with the Wind. In the 1970’s Terpning began focusing on Native American history and the American West, which became a lifelong passion. After only two years in the genre, he was elected to the National Academy of Western Art and the Cowboys Artists of America. The Pearce Museum owns two of his pieces: “Grandfather Speaks” and “Discovery of a Lost Friend”.
For more information on Howard Terpning, go to https://www.fineart.pub/howard-terpning/
JAMES N. MUIR
James Muir (b. 1945) is a sculptor from Indiana, known for his detailed and emotionally evocative bronzes. His professional artistic career began in Sedona, Arizona, where he has worked for over three decades. Muir refers to his style as “allegorical”, meaning it utilizes symbolism to depict profoundly spiritual subject matter in his art. Muir’s piece “Letter from Home” is one of the cornerstone sculptural pieces of the Pearce Collection, as it connects the Civil War collection to Western Art. The piece depicts a young solider from the Civil War reading a letter from his family, eliciting a sense of wistfulness that transcends time and place.
Works in our collection by James N. Muir:
Bugle Notes
Carried to Safety
Letter from Home
Little Major
Little Reb
Southern Steel
SONYA TERPENING
Sonya Terpening(b. 1953) is a signature member of the National and Southwestern Watercolor Societies. Although born in Oklahoma, she has lived in Grapevine, Texas for over thirty years, and feels that both states carry rich and colorful legends of the West. She attended Oklahoma State University, and studied under renowned Western artists such as Betina Steinke, Donald Teague, Richard Schmid, and Lowell Ellsworth Smith. Terpening seeks to share the feeling and essence of a moment in time with her work, creating a bridge between realism and impressionism. She is a master of both oil painting and watercolor, and her pieces are in the permanent collections of multiple museums, including the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma. Sonya’s paintings in our permanent collection:
“The Last Pan”
“Would Ya’ Look at That”
BUCK MCCAIN
Buck McCain, a painter and a sculptor,grew up as a fifth generation cattle rancher in Southern California. Although he enrolled in a pre-med program in college, he discovered his love of art while taking a humanities class. McCain currently resides in southern Arizona where he continues to paint and sculpt. His work can be found in museums and corporations across the country. We currently have three of his pieces in our collection, they include “The Invocation” which is located in front of the Cook Education Center, where the Pearce Museum is located, “The Spirit Painter and “Buffalo Dancer”.
Go to www.buckmccainartist.com to see more of his works!
JOE NETHERWOOD
Joe Netherwood grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and loved classic Westerns from a young age. He was in the Air Force, worked as a designer and illustrator in Philadelphia, and as a professional stand up comedian. Seeing N.C. Wyeth’s illustrations at the Brandywine River Museum caused Netherwood to have an epiphany. Those captivating illustrations directly inspired him to pursue a career as a fine artist and depict his love of the West through art. He currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he is able to utilize his firsthand knowledge of modern cowboys and cowgirls, and research historical subjects for scenes from the past and present. His piece “Locked and Loaded” is a part of the Pearce’s Western Art Collection, and is a fine example of Netherwood’s blend of realistic and impressionistic techniques, and use of brilliant colors and detail.
MAURA ALLEN
Growing up in the wide open landscape of Northern California kick started Maura Allen’s love of the West and its many stories, songs, and legends. Known for her colorful blend of traditional and modern, Allen utilizes a variety of mediums in her work, including photography, silkscreen printing, acrylic paint, and ceramics. Allen often begins her artistic process with a realistic base by photographing her own images to look for themes and silhouettes for her pieces. She then pushes the boundaries by combining vintage textiles and typography with bold, graphic colors and contemporary techniques. Allen’s piece “Wanted in the West” was purchased by the Pearce Museum after featuring in the Museum’s A New Look at the West show in 2014.
ORELAND JOE
Oreland Joe(b.1958) was born in Shiprock, New Mexico and is of Dine’ (Navajo) and Ute descent. He is well known for his work in bronze and stone sculptures. Growing up in a family of artists, musicians, and craftspeople, Oreland knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue being an artist. He traveled to many countries to study sculpture and art, including Italy, France, Japan, England, and Egypt, which strongly influenced and inspired him, along with nineteenth century Native American art. In 1993, Oreland became the first Native American artist to join the Cowboys Artists of America organization, and his career has continued to grow from there. His pieces “Heart of an Eagle” and “Trail of Red Mountain” are both part of the Pearce Museum’s permanent collection.
BRENDA MURPHY
Brenda Murphy (b. 1955) was born in Dallas, Texas. Although she originally began her artistic career in illustration and graphic design, her passion for the West and lifelong love of horses led her to leave the corporate world and pursue Western art. Her detailed renderings of ranch life in pencil and oil paintings have received numerous accolades, and she was featured in galleries in Arizona, Wyoming, and Texas. Her use of composition, design, and light lend her works in pencil a “painterly” quality. Murphy’s piece “Burning Hair” is a part of the Pearce Museum’s permanent collection.
ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ
Alfredo Rodriguez (b.1954) was born in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico. Growing up in a family with nine children, Rodriguez used his talent and love of painting to help his family financially. Trips to the nearby Huichole Indian Reservation in Mexico and watching American Western movies inspired his love of historical Western subjects from a young age. He is known for his realistic, representational style and masterful use of lighting, demonstrated by his piece, “Running Out of Time” & “The Trail Boss”, which are part of the Pearce’s permanent Western art collection. He is a member of the American Indian and Cowboy Artists Association, and currently lives in California.
JOE F. HOWARD
Joe F. Howard was born in Tennessee and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Howard had a passion for art from an early age. The oldest of four boys, he was the first to choose a college: Columbus College of Art and Design. His father, who wanted his sons to have prosperous careers as doctors or lawyers, refused to support Howard’s choice of career. However, Howard was awarded a four year scholarship, and after graduating, went on to exhibit his work across the country. He works in both painting and bronze sculpture, and has created art for numerous private and commercial clients. His painting, “Stone, Steel & Wood” is part of the Pearce’s permanent art collection.
JUDITH DURR
Judith Durr is a proud native of Arizona, and is considered one of the most influential Native American artists in the country. She is of Cherokee and Choctaw heritage, and is a registered member of the Choctaw American Indian Tribe. Durr’s Choctaw mother, a skilled bead worker, taught her the skill and history of the art form and its importance in Native regalia. This knowledge, along with her family’s collection of Navajo rugs, inspired Durr to continue the legacy of Native artisans through her oil paintings. Durr’s realistic and highly detailed style makes her work instantly recognizable, along with her trademark frequent use of rugs as a background element in still life compositions. “Walks in Beauty”, a piece which is in the Pearce Museum’s permanent collection, exemplifies Durr’s characteristic painted bead work on a pair of beautiful moccasins which belonged to her grandmother. For more information about Judith & her works of art, go to http://judydurr.50megs.com/
DON WELLER
Don Weller grew up exploring the rolling hills and rivers of Pullman, Washington. His two passions from a young age were horses and art. As a teenager, he roped calves in rodeos and sold cartoons. After graduating from Washington State University with a Fine Art degree, he moved to Los Angeles to work in graphic design and illustration. He also taught part time at the Art Center in Pasadena, and at UCLA, where he met his wife Cha Cha.
After several decades of working in California, Weller and his wife moved to Utah, where a book project on cutting horses reignited Weller’s childhood love of the Western lifestyle. The cutting horse project took him traveling through Texas, Arizona, California, and Montana, to a variety of ranches and rodeos. Weller now lives in Oakley, Utah, with his wife and their menagerie of various animals and cutting horses, and frequently focuses on Western subjects in his work. His piece, “Where Are Those Guys?” is part of the Pearce’s permanent Western art collection. For more information about Don & his works of art, go to https://www.donweller.com/
KRYSTII MELAINE
Born in Bairnsdale, Victoria, Australia, Krystii Melaine spent her childhood observing the wild animals and nature around her home. From a young age, she entered art competitions and began selling her artwork. Following her studies in art, Melaine started her own fashion company, which over the course of several years developed into one of Australia’s biggest bridal and evening wear companies. However, Melaine had a strong desire to return to painting, and spent five years studying with the Australian artist Graham Moore to hone her skills. Her fascination with the natural world and portraiture became the focus of her work.
After a trip to the United States in 1998, Melaine became fascinated with the American West, and felt drawn to capture the images and stories of individuals she met while traveling. Recently, she and her husband moved to Spokane, Washington, where Melaine continues to paint her favorite subjects. Her piece, “The Good Season” is part of our permanent art collection. For more information on Krystii’s works, go to https://krystiimelaine.com/
BRUCE GREENE
Bruce Greene (b. 1953) studied at the University of Texas, and after finishing his degree, began sculpting and painting full time. In 1993, he became a member of the Cowboy Artists of America and has served two terms as president of the association. His mastery of both painting and sculpture are represented in many galleries across the Southwest. Greene and his family restored a 1883 farmstead outside of Clifton, Texas, where they raise Coriente cattle and enjoy a beautiful view of Texas Hill Country scenery. His pieces, “A Cowboy’s Halo, “Heelin’ Em & Haulin’ Em” and “Matters of Philosophy” are part of our permanent art collection.
For more information about Bruce’s works go to http://www.brucegreeneart.com/
MIKE HAMBY
Mike Hamby, former player for the Buffalo Bills, has pursued many avenues in his life: musician, published illustrator, and Western artist. During his time as a professional football player, he spent his downtime working with the Western New York Elementary schools’ literacy program, illustrating a series of children’s books called “Darby the Dinosaur” that his fellow Bills teammate, Ray Bentley, wrote. After a career ending injury in 1989, Hamby focused his efforts on his passion for sculpture. In the years since, he has worked on many commissioned pieces for companies and individuals nationwide. Frequent themes in his work include wildlife, history, and Native American culture. His piece “Autumn Celebration” is a permanent piece in the Pearce Museum’s Western Art Collection.
DARCIE PEET
Originally growing up in the Illinois and Pennsylvania, Darcie Peet spent her childhood roaming the outdoors and visiting the Chicago Art Institute during the summer. Her love of painting and drawing spurred her to pursue a Bachelor’s in Art and Master’s degree in Interior Design. She spent twenty years working in graphic design and advertising, which gave a multifaceted approach to her drawing and painting techniques and laying a strong foundation for her understanding of architecture, composition, and spatial relationships. For over twenty five years, Peet has called the Colorado Rockies and Sonora Desert her homes, where the powerful landscapes provide inspiration for her work. Her piece “Trail Into Dusk” is part of our permanent Western Art collection.
For more information about Darcie’s works go to www.darciepeet.com .
JAMES AYERS
James Ayers, after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1991, began a lifelong journey of traveling, working, and living with indigenous societies across the world. From the Samburu and Turkana peoples in Africa to Sioux, Iroquois, Hopi, and Navajo reservations, Ayers has sought relationships with many tribal cultures to help him understand the history and culture that goes into his artwork. Using years of research and his own personal observations, Ayers seeks to combine his knowledge and creativity to depict his subjects with honesty and accuracy. His piece “The Medicine Ring” is part of our permanent Western Art collection.For more information about his works, go to http://www.jamesayers.com/
REBECCA TOBEY
Rebecca Tobey grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the daughter of a painter and a scientist. She spend her childhood exploring the outdoors, nurturing her love for nature and animals. In September 1975, Tobey took a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and felt an instant connection to the city. By December she had moved there, and currently still lives there. Tobey’s sculptures are characteristically bright and sleek, exhibiting sfraffitto drawings and diverse finishes. Her subjects are often animals that display scenes of landscapes, geometric shapes, and symbols. Her sculptures have been commissioned for many public and private institutions. A notable piece is a bear called Spirit Walker that resides on the campus of Baylor University in Waco. Her piece “Guiding Star” is part of our permanent Western art collection.
For more information on Rebecca’s works go to. www.rebeccatobey.com
ROBERT “SHOOFLY” SHUFELT
Robert “Shoofly” Shufelt (b.1935) grew up in Illinois and has been living in Arizona since 1976. He worked as an illustrator in Chicago for 20 years, doing advertising and story boards. When Shufelt and his wife Julia moved to her family’s ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona, he found new artistic inspiration in the modern cowboy lifestyle. He is known for his realistic, representational work in graphite. His pieces, “A Study in Placement” & “Like Getting Paid to Eat Ice Cream” are part of the Pearce Museum’s permanent collection.
GEORGE ANN JOHNSON
George Ann Johnson was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and began her art career painting race horses to support her won horse business. She then went on to create her own commercial art company based in Kansas City. After several years of working commercially, Johnson began working in fine art, studying at the Danford Museum of Fine Art near Boston, Massachusetts. She originally worked in paint and colored pencil, but now is focusing on scratchboard, a medium that consists of engraving on a board coated with impermeable white clay and covered with a layer of ink. She is nationally recognized for her highly detailed portraits of animal, and her piece “Pride of the Prairie” is part of the permanent collection. For more information about George Ann’s works go to https://www.gajart.com/
JOE BEELER
Joe Beeler (1931-2006) was born in Joplin, Missouri. Part Cherokee, Beeler felt a connection to the West from an early age. He attened the Art Center of Design in Los Angeles, California, and after graduating, worked as an illustrator for the University of Oklahoma Press. A one man show at Gilcrease Museum helped launch his fine art career in 1960. In 1965, after moving to Arizona with his family, Beeler and other cowboy artists started the Cowboy Artists of America organization. Beeler had many notable commissions during his life, including a 10-foot statue of Barry Goldwater in Paradise Valley, Arizona. His work is featured in numerous Western art museums. His piece, “The Trackers” is part of our permanent collection.
SHAWN CAMERON
Shawn Cameron (b. 1950) was born in Phoenix, Arizona, to a family that traces a pioneer ranching legacy back to over 130 years ago. Their family brand, the Hatchet, is believed to be the oldest on file. With a deep appreciation and respect for the cowboy lifestyle, Cameron has spent her artistic career studying both the historical and contemporary aspects of ranching. Cameron was encouraged in her career by several artistic mentors, including Joe Beeler, Bill Owen, & Robert “Shoofly” Shufelt. Her medium of choice is oil, but she has also worked in graphite, watercolor, pastel & clay. Her piece “Storm Watch” is part of the Pearce Museum’s permanent collection. For more information about Shawn & her works of art go to https://www.shawncameron.com/
XIANG ZHANG
Xiang Zhang (b.1954) grew up in the Sichuan province of China. He loved drawing from a young age, and his favorite subject were farm horses, painted with black ink on rice paper. As a young man, Zhang studied art and set design at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing and grew proficient in oil painting. His skills earned him a scholarship to Tulane University in 1986. In 1993, Zhang moved with his wife and daughter to Dallas, where he discovered his passion for painting cowboys. Combining realistic and impressionistic techniques, as well as a careful attention to costume, architecture and scenery, has made Zhang’s works successful and sought after in the art world. His works hang in both private and corporate collections. His pieces “Branding” and “A Break for Freedom” are both part of the Pearce’s permanent collection.
DUSTIN PAYNE
Dustin Payne (b.1981) was born in southern New Mexico to a ranching family. As the third generation of sculptors in his family, he started learning the craft at a young age, along with traditions of roping, riding, and working with cattle on the land. As an adult, he moved north and settled in Wyoming. In 2017, Payne was inducted into the Cowboys Artists of America organization. His piece, “Spring on the Divide” is part of the Pearce Museum’s permanent collection. To learn more about Dustin and his works, go to https://www.dustinpayne.com/
BRENDA HOWELL
Brenda Howell first began her art education with her mother, who was a painter and art teacher. She would often sit in on her classes, and they would take “art trips” together. She later received a B.A. from California State University, as well as studying art at several institutions. Her primary subject of interest is representative landscapes that reveal stories about the earth. Howell worked for more than twenty years as a technical/geological illustrator and has been painting full-time since 2003. She had a solo show at the Pearce Museum in 2010, and her piece, “Afternoon Shadow Desert View” is part of our permanent collection. For more information about Brenda and her works, go to www.brendahowellfineart.com
GEORGE MOLNAR
George Molnar (b.1953) is an Arizonian artist who is known for his life-like, realistic Native American portrait paintings. He began studying art in high school at the Minneapolis Art Instruction School and was encouraged in his pursuit by his wife Marcia, who is also an artist. His work often features Navajo subjects, surrounded by the intense lighting and desert landscape of Monument Valley. His pieces “Captivated” and “The Search”, exemplifying his signature style, are both part of the Pearce Museum’s permanent collection.
GENE ZESCH
Gene Zesch (b.1932) grew up during the Great Depression on a ranch in Mason, Texas, and started working as an artist in 1954 making caricatures sculptures of Texas cowboys after serving as a pilot in the Army. His signature style is humorous and sardonic portrayal of cowboy life, often based on his own experiences. He gained national recognition when politicians Lyndon B. Johnson and John Connally started collecting his work. His pieces begin with wood carvings rather than clay, which are then cast directly from the carving and painted. He has numerous pieces in the Pearce Museum’s permanent collection: “A Reputashuan Like Mine Isn’t Built Overnight”, “End of the Trail”, “Looks like We’ll Just Have to Tighten our Belts Again”, “There’s No Graceful Way to Climb a Barbed Wire Fence”, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning”, “Remember That Prize Bull We Bought?”, “I Thought I just Heard a Discouraging Word” & “The New Wonderdog”.
For more information about Gene and his works, go to www.genezesch.com.