Joe Netherwood grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the 1950s, when youngsters played cowboys and Indians and mimicked their heroes: Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. These cowboys’ western films set the stage and instilled in Netherwood a love for the West that still remains.
Born in 1954, and raised on southern California ranches, John DeMott’s comfortable painting people of the West in magnificent Western settings. He’s experienced the demanding work required in ranching and has developed an enduring appreciation for Western heritage.
Kim Ragsdale focuses on faces – character faces with wrinkles, broken teeth, no teeth and older faces. Her first drawings were of dogs, horses and cows because they’re so important in western ranch life. They weren’t child-like drawings, but were so accurate anatomically as to be mistaken for photographs.
Working on saddles wasn’t a choice for Bill Maloy early in life. His grandparents first started running a pack string and horse concessions in Sequoia National Park in the 1920s. Eventually, his father joined the business and, as soon as he was old enough, Bill was a regular employee.
Ten years ago, Jason Rich took a chance on an art career. That gamble paid off, and today the Utah artist’s work has earned the respect of collectors, galleries and working cowboys.
Montana braider Nate Wald outlines how he constructs a rawhide bosal and offers tips on keeping one in good shape.
Firearms engraving has been around for hundreds of years, but acclaimed engraver Ernie Marsh helped popularize the smoky finish on bits and spurs.
Using a traditional method of melding silver and steel, bit and spur maker Chuck Irwin connects contemporary cowboys to Californio-style craftsmanship.
