Michael Swearngin was born in Olathe, Kansas, the first stop on the north end of the Santa Fe Trail just outside of Kansas City. Consequently his interest in the American Cowboy began at a very young age. As a youth, Swearngin's grandfather taught him the legacy of the cattleman and rancher. In 1973, his family moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he began his art career. Living for sixteen year
...see more »s in the Southwest influenced him to work to develop the rich colors of the Southwest style of painting. Swearngin's interest in contemporary southwest art and the fading heritage of the American Cowboy combine to form the core of his images. His watercolor paintings produce unique imagery inspired by the rugged spirit so clearly seen in the cowboy. He is inspired by local cowboy clinics and cowboy youth camps which teach students about horsemanship, ranching and prepare them for life and the sport of rodeo. Every image he paints is a precise moment in time where you can feel the energy and motion. Additionally to his action pieces, many of Swearngin paintings portray the serenity of cowboy life - resting along the fence after a long day or the bond between father and son. He chooses vibrant colors and compositions with emotional impact. Swearngin uses rich bold colors to draw the viewer into his paintings and aspires to motivate each of us to reflect upon our own experiences and enrich the lives of others. The high contrast in his highlights and shadows give his images a crispness that is contrasted by his soft dissolving watercolor washes. In 2002 Swearngin won second place in the category of oil/acrylic at the Art Walk fundraiser in California. He won Best of Show in the Indio California Southwest Art Show in 2005. He currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he continues to develop and expand his painting career.« see less
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