WAG N E R F I N E A R T
What are some of the most meaningful
responses you have had to your work?
That question runs the gamut of compliments.
Patrons and the public are highly appreciative of the
work that I do. Painting historical subjects allows
me to depict a moment in time that people heretofore have only been able to use their mind’s eye. A
couple years ago I did a painting called “Walking
Your Saddle Hoss?” (page 14) depicting a
cowboy waiting for a stagecoach in the middle of a
desert. Young and old were drawn to the painting
and they really liked the humor I depicted. The
Phippen Museum in Arizona purchased the painting. I am happy that it will be viewed and enjoyed
by the public for years to come.
You are known for your realistic
approach to your subjects. How did
that develop?
In 1995 I became involved with a group of individuals that would get together and reenact Plains Indian culture of the 1860’s. We would hold these events
at various locations in Wyoming and South Dakota.
Our group members would come from all over the
world to live the life of the Plains Indians for a week
every summer. These were highly authentic events,
complete with buffalo hunts, ceremonies, and the
minutia of everyday camp life and U.S. Cavalry warfare. Our outfits were exactly in line with the look of
the Cheyenne, Lakota and Arapaho of that period.
The cavalry and homesteaders were just as committed in portraying their roles. The imagery was
spectacular. I wanted to put that imagery on canvas.
Unfortunately, after my career began to take off, I’ve
had less time to stay involved, but have developed
friendships that have lasted to this day and occasionally we get together for model shoots.
the art of brett wagner
Instagram@wagner_fine_art_
July |August 2016 15