Maverick Style: Inspired by the West

Capturing the Beauty of the Animal Form

I had the pleasure of meeting artist Brandon Bailey at The Art of the American Cowboy Fine Art Show & Sale in Las Vegas last month. I had seen some of his paintings online, and was looking forward to seeing them in person. Brandon's work did not disappoint me. In fact, his depictions of horses and wildlife were even more stunning in person! I can't wait to see his new works for 2012!

As a member of the Ottawa/Chippewa tribe, Brandon Bailey credits his Native American roots for fostering a genuine reverence for nature. Wildlife art has always come naturally to him, and he has been fascinated by both art and the outdoors for as long as he can remember. Brandon began taking art classes in junior high, and it was there that he sold his first drawing for twenty dollars. During his teens, the Game and Fish Department of Wyoming gave Brandon his first commission. Since then the Game and Fish has commissioned Brandon to do many other projects, including numerous benefit and auction items.

Growing up in Wyoming, Brandon developed an intense interest in Western culture. His fascination with rodeo and the Old West began during his childhood and has continued throughout his life. From 2004 to 2006 he rode bulls competitively, as well as in the practice pen for fun. Rodeo has also found its way into Brandon's art, as he has been commissioned to create artwork for various Wyoming rodeo companies.

Brandon Bailey has won many awards in art shows across the country, and has participated in shows where he has raised thousands of dollars through art donations for the Wyoming Heritage Expo, The Moose Foundation, The Elk Foundation, The Sheep Federation and Safari Club International. Brandon's most recent achievements include being invited to participate in the Cheyenne Frontier Days Art Show and Sale in 2010 and 2011, and having a sold out show in both years. Brandon's painting entitled "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" was selected for the 2012 Cheyenne Frontier Days Poster and also received the People's Choice Award in 2011.

Currently Brandon is working on several new paintings to exhibit at the Safari Club International Show, February 1 - 4, 2012 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. He will debut his 30" X 40" painting entitled "Noble Feigning," (below center) at the Safari Club Show, where it will be auctioned on Saturday afternoon, February 4. This spectacular painting is valued at $10,000, and will be a 100% donation to Safari Club International. If you are attending this show, you won't want to miss seeing Brandon's work!

I am also showcasing two of Brandon's other paintings that are favorites of mine. "Summer's End" (below left) is available through Mountain Trails Gallery in Sedona, AZ, along with two other beautiful equine paintings. "High Plains Drifter" was my favorite painting that Brandon exhibited at The Art of the American Cowboy Fine Art Show & Sale. I was entranced by the superb detailing of the buffalo and the brilliant blue sky! Unfortunately, this painting has been sold. However, if you visit the Brandon Bailey Fine Art website, you can see many more of Brandon's current original works as well as the shows he will be attending this year.