Western Art

Explore Western art by Thomas Blackshear II, featuring paintings and artwork inspired by cowboys, Native American subjects, the American West, and the people and stories that have shaped its history. This gallery brings together a broad selection of Thomas’s Western artwork, reflecting his distinctive approach to portraiture, storytelling, atmosphere, and dramatic composition.

Now What

Wisdom

Wild West Show

Warrior of the West

Two Peacocks

Two Americans of the Old West

Thunder Bird

The Wait

There Once Was A Time

Taking Flight

Taking Aim

Swan Song

Sun Hawk

Summer Breeze

Single Focus

Single Feather

Sacred Smoke

Rodeo Poster

Rodeo Cowboy

Peace Pipe

Passing Through

Old MacDonald

Nez Perce

Native American Nouveau

Mighty Wind

Mark Twain

Many Feathers

Last Drop

Indian Paintbrush

Hunter's Watch

Hummingbird

Hopi Maiden

High Hat

Green Peacock

Golden Mane

Golden Leaves

Golden Cloud

Fancy Feathers

Enlightened

Dixon Dream

Dance of the Wind And Storm

Custer

Crow Crown

Crow

Cowboys and Indians

Cowboy Classic

Cowboy

Cougar's Song

Buffalo Hunt

Buckaroo

About Western Art

Western art has become an important part of Thomas Blackshear II’s evolving body of work. Through portraits, narrative scenes, and imaginative interpretations of the American West, Thomas brings his characteristic attention to mood, character, light, and storytelling to subjects ranging from cowboys and Native American figures to wildlife and the landscapes and traditions associated with the West.

Stories of the American West

Thomas’s Western artwork explores the people, traditions, and imagery associated with the American West. Individual works range from quiet portraits and moments of reflection to scenes of movement, strength, humor, and dramatic storytelling.

Cowboys and Western Life

Cowboys and Western life appear throughout this collection in works such as Now What, Rodeo Cowboy, Cowboy Classic, and Two Americans of the Old West. Rather than approaching the West as a single visual theme, Thomas uses individual characters and moments to give each composition its own personality and story.

Native American Subjects

Native American subjects also form an important part of Thomas’s Western body of work, appearing in portraits and compositions including Nez Perce, Hopi Maiden, Many Feathers, Crow, and Warrior of the West. These works contribute to the broader range of figures, cultures, and stories represented throughout the collection.

Award-Winning Western Art

Thomas Blackshear II’s Western artwork has received recognition from leading Western art organizations and events. Two Americans of the Old West received the Great American Cowboy Award in 2022, A Much Needed Break received the Prix de West Purchase Award in 2024, and The Blue Bird received the William B. Travis Award for Patron’s Choice in 2025.