Images of working cowhands and their horses loom large in the mind’s eye of many who love the American West. Those same images form the heart and soul of this lavishly illustrated book, which captures the viewpoints, values, and observations of twenty-four respected contemporary artists. The artists’ own words illuminate the painting, sculpture, photography, and drawings of these award-winning, supremely creative individuals, allowing readers a glimpse into their creative processes. As Heidi Brady and Scott White demonstrate, these Western artists came to their work in a wide variety of ways. Some are studio-trained and learned to portray horses through formal classes; others simply began creating art on their own, learning through visual and tactile study of the horses they worked with each day. The two dozen artists profiled here include ranch owners, working hands, professional photographers, rodeo cowboys, art instructors, graphic designers, a saddle maker, and a former predator hunter. Readers will delight in these remarkable paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures depicting the freedom and spirit of the American West. “What runs throughout the book is a deep appreciation for horses, cowboys, the American West and tradition. It will help readers understand the intent behind many works, and inspire them to look more closely, and in a different way, at art.”— Western Horseman ― Western Horseman HEIDI BRADY, professor in the department of animal and food sciences at Texas Tech University in Lubbock and codirector of the Texas Tech Therapeutic Riding and Therapy Center, teaches courses in equine management, therapeutic riding, and horses in world art. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Animal Physiology and coauthor of T he Comprehensive Guide to Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies . SCOTT WHITE is director of collections, exhibits, and research at the National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He is also the art curator for the center, the author of several books and articles, the curator and organizer of the annual Stampede Western Art and Gear Show and Sale, and the editor of Ranch Record , a quarterly magazine published by the Ranching Heritage Association.