Michael Swearngin, Paintings
Michael Swearngin gives thanks to God for his many gifts and faith; to the cowboys, friends, and family—especially his grandfather, Lowell, and father, Charles Swearngin. They have supported his art career and taught him to keep the heritage of the West alive through his Contemporary cowboy paintings.
Michael Swearngin’s interest in contemporary Southwest Art and the fading heritage of the American Cowboy combine to form the core of the images he paints.
His watercolor paintings create unique imagery inspired by the rugged spirit of the cowboy as seen in local cowboy clinics and cowboy youth camps which instruct students about horsemanship, ranching and prepare them for life and the sport of rodeo.
Every image Michael paints is a precise moment in time—from capturing the energy and motion of an action scene to depicting the serenity of cowboy life such as resting along the fence after a long day. Michael chooses vibrant colors and compositions and he aspires to move each of us to reflect upon our own experiences. The high contrast in his highlights and shadows give his images a sharpness that is contrasted by his soft dissolving watercolor washes.
Michael’s interest in the American Cowboy began at a very young age. He was born in Olathe, Kansas, the first stop on the north end of the Santa Fe Trail just outside of Kansas City. As a youth, Michael’s grandfather taught him the heritage of the cattleman and rancher.
Michael’s family moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1973, where he began his art career. Spending sixteen years in the Southwest influenced him to work to develop the rich colors of the Southwest style of painting.
In 2002, Michael won second place in the category of oil/acrylic at the ArtWalk fundraiser in California. He won Best of Show in the Indio California Southwest Art Show in 2005. Most recently in 2008, the prestigious Booth Museum of Western Art, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, purchased Michael Swearingin’s Cowgirl And the Vaquero for their permanent collection.
Michael currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Are you interested in purchasing Michael Swearngin’s work? Please contact Rogoway Turquoise Tortoise Gallery for more information.
