The Rising Stars and Masters of Contemporary Western Art

Written by Lydia duPerier. Cover painting by Sarah Dean

Western art has long been a celebrated genre in the American artistic tradition. Its ability to capture rugged landscapes, iconic cowboy imagery, and rich Native American culture bring the West to life. While legendary artists like Frederic Remington and Charles Marion Russell laid the foundation, a new generation of artists continues to push Western art’s boundaries with fresh perspectives. Below, we explore some remarkable artists shaping today’s contemporary Western art scene.

Mark Maggiori: Painting the American West with a Modern Eye

Mark Maggiori, a French-American artist, is renowned for his evocative depictions of the American West. His works capture the essence of cowboy life and expansive landscapes. He first trained at the Academie Julian in Paris before developing his skills at Walt Disney Animation France. A trip to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City inspired his first cowboy paintings.

One of his acclaimed paintings, “The Journey West,” earned the Sam Houston Award for Best Painting in 2017. Another significant piece, “Morning Above the Canyon,” achieved a record auction price of $275,000 at the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction in 2023.

Mark recently auctioned off a piece called “Spirit of the West,” a portrait which captures Kevin Costner in cowboy form, for a fundraiser to support the Western Spirit Museum of Scottsdale, Arizona.

Maggiori’s modern perspective on traditional Western themes has gained him worldwide recognition. His cinematic compositions and dramatic lighting have made him one of the most sought-after contemporary Western artists. His works are displayed at the Maxwell Alexander Gallery in Los Angeles and other major Western art galleries.

Sarah Dean: Contemporary Reflections of the West

Sarah Dean, a Colorado native, has been passionate about drawing since childhood. The Western landscapes and lifestyle of her home state deeply influence her work. Specializing in equine art, she captures the beauty of horses in various settings, from working cow ponies on cattle ranches to wild herds roaming free.

Her artistic style blends realism and impressionism, allowing her to depict the vast landscapes and serene beauty of the American West. Dean has honed her oil painting and graphite skills through training under various professional artists. She aims to capture the essence of her subjects and invite viewers to experience fleeting moments that ignite the imagination.

Her notable works include “Golden Hour,” the 24-by-36-inch oil on canvas above, portraying a horse bathed in warm sunset light, and “Bold,” a 24-by-36-inch oil on canvas capturing the striking presence of a horse against a minimalist background. These pieces and others are available for viewing and purchase on her website. Dean’s work has also been showcased in various exhibitions, reflecting her dedication to portraying the Western lifestyle and the animals that define it. Find out more about Sarah Dean and her art on Instagram @sarahdeanarts or at sarahdeanarts.com.

I’m influenced by the western landscapes and lifestyle of my home state of Colorado, and with my work I strive to showcase both the beauty of horses and the nostalgic romance of the West. - Sarah Dean

John Lopez: The Sculptor of the Prairie

John Lopez, a South Dakota-based sculptor, is renowned for his welded metal sculptures that blend scrap iron with bronze casting. Among his notable works is “The Journey”—a dynamic composition featuring a bull, cow, and calf traversing the plains— commissioned by the National Harbor in Maryland.

In the photo to the left, John is seen standing next to a sculpture he created of American Bison for the city of Fort Pierre, South Dakota. You might be able to spot a river winding through a Lakota Sioux Tribe head dress in the bison’s shoulder. The flip side of the beast depicts the story of Fort Pierre in the little vignettes John weaves through the anatomy of this animal that once roamed the Great Plains.

To learn more about John’s work, his Kokomo Gallery is open in the summer month in Lemmon, South Dakota where he currently resides and builds his sculptures. They are constructed out of discarded farm equipment he gathers from farmers and ranchers in the area. If traveling isn’t in the cards, visit John’s website at johnlopezstudio.com to view his portfolio and multiple videos about his background, inspiration, and methods.

Lopez’s sculptures are displayed in public installations across South Dakota and are featured in galleries specializing in Western and contemporary sculpture. His unique approach breathes new life into discarded materials and celebrates the spirit of the American West.

John’s work reflects generations of a life that’s fading into history. It’s a life lived in barns and grain elevators, workshops and pastures. It’s the life of the land he loves. - A quote from John Lopez’ website

Bill Anton: Bringing Cowboys to Life on Canvas

Bill Anton, born in Chicago in 1957, developed a passion for the American West during a childhood visit at age seven. He later relocated to Prescott, Arizona, after graduating from Northern Arizona University.

Anton is renowned for his dramatic and highly detailed depictions of working cowboys, capturing the grit and spirit of ranch life. His paintings often portray riders on horseback under expansive skies. His work has been featured in prestigious Western art galleries, including the Legacy Gallery and the Prix de West Invitational at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

“Enough Already,” pictured to the right, is a 16x16 oil on linen that captures the repeated attempts of an escape artist and a determined cowpuncher. Anton says he used “vigorous brushwork to energize the scene.”

Below is Anton’s 30x40 oil on linen, “Moving Day on the Madison.” In his words, “Between 800 and a 1,000 head crossed the Madison River near Ennis, Montana that day for the very first time. Despite some kayakers, the whole herd was across in under a half hour, cowdogs and all!”

One of Anton’s most notable works, “Cowboy Marksman,” earned a record auction price of $540,000. The painting exemplifies his ability to convey the ruggedness and authenticity of cowboy life, solidifying his status among contemporary Western artists.

An artist under the spell of the west has the privilege of marshaling the virtues of landscape, figure, and equine painting into one supremely paintable subject: the American cowboy. - A quote from Bill Anton's website

Kyle Polzin: Master of Western Still Life

Born in Cuero, Texas, in 1974, Kyle Polzin is renowned for his meticulous still-life paintings that capture the textures and essence of Western artifacts such as saddles, spurs, and rifles. His work is intensely realistic, often resembling photographs, and is celebrated for its ability to evoke nostalgia for the Old West. Polzin’s paintings are displayed at the Legacy Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Jackson, Wyoming.

To the left is Polzin’s “Ballad of a Cowboy,” a 36x22-inch oil on canvas. In his image statement, Polzin says “the life of a cowboy was hard and dangerous, so to pass the time, he would write songs and poems about daily life on the range. Often a fiddle would be played by the evening campfire, and songs would be sung to settle the herd. These simple ballads would forever become part of our culture and form the roots of modern American folk music.”

One of his most acclaimed works, “Mystic Warrior,” achieved a record auction price of $287,500 at the Scottsdale Art Auction 2014. This painting exemplifies Polzin’s ability to bring historical subjects to life with remarkable detail and authenticity, capturing the true spirit of the American West. His dedication to his craft and this unique ability have earned him a prominent place among contemporary Western artists. Find out more about Kyle Polzin and his art on Instagram @polzin_art or by visiting kylepolzin.com.

Brought up around horses and the Gulf coast, Kyle grew to appreciate the beauty and heritage of his Texas surroundings which is reflected in his art. - A quote from Kyle Polzin's website

The Legacy of Contemporary Western Art

Each artist brings a unique perspective to Western art through metal sculpture, stylized realism, or intricate still-life painting. Their work not only preserves the traditions of Western art but also re-imagines them for a modern audience, offering a diverse and innovative view of the American West. Whether you are an art collector, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the American West, these artists are worth following as they continue to shape the future of Western art. If you want to view or purchase their work, you can visit their respective galleries, online platforms, or museum exhibitions.