12/24/2007 10:40:00 AM
Cowboy bullfighter is rodeo poster artist
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| Rowdy Barry is familiar with this view of a bull... photo provided
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Rowdy Barry is a real cowboy with a knack for mixing it up. Professionally, he is a rodeo bullfighter. He is also a rancher and an accomplished painter and sculptor. His artwork is shown across the nation at Western art shows and rodeos and has put him in the spotlight with collectors.
In his signature white shirt and white socks with red-striped tops, Barry has been a popular contract bullfighter at the Sisters Rodeo for the last 17 years.
With this history it was only a matter of time before Sisters Rodeo asked him to paint a rodeo poster. This request was made on the last day of the 2007 rodeo. Barry's response was immediate and enthusiastic.
Barry began painting as a child when his mother felt it would "help him pass the time" through long Wyoming winters. He never put down a brush again.
In 1997, his wife, Laura Lee, bought him sculpting classes, although with 500 head of Corriente cattle, 7,500 acres and two children, he no longer needed another project to keep him occupied. Sculpting, however, has brought him even more notice in the world of art, and it is a medium he enjoys as much as painting.
The Kennewick, Washington, rancher was the commissioned artist for national Wrangler Bullfight posters from 1992-1997.
His paintings, most of which are of horses and cattle, reflect the earthy colors of the Western ranch and the brightly colored excitement of rodeo. Ethereal touches are often added, such as a winged horse, making his work exceptional to the norm in Western art.
"We are very excited about having Rowdy's painting as our poster this year," said Ron Alexander, Sister Rodeo board member. "It's nice to have someone do a painting who understands the animals and what it is like in there, especially someone with Rowdy's skill and fame."
Barry's job is to protect rodeo bull riders from getting stomped into the dirt during competition, a breathtaking feat of athleticism and risk.
He began bullfighting when he was 14 years old and became a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in 1986.
"I enjoy what I do, and I do it with a smile," he said. "And I've taken loving what I do to heart."
A gypsy at heart, Barry has many opportunities while traveling the national rodeo circuit to find new subjects for his art. His wife and two young children accompany him on most of the journeys.
High Desert Gallery is hosting a show to display Barry's art from June 1, 2008 through Sisters Rodeo weekend, June 13-15. Many of his paintings and sculptures will be displayed and available for purchase.
The 2008 rodeo poster can be purchased now for $10 at Leavitt's and High Desert Gallery of Sisters, just in time for Christmas.
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