Mike McFarland
(b.1947)
Devoted to a cowboy lifestyle, McFarland started sculpting while recovering from an accident while roping horses. As he explains: “I have devoted my life to cowboyin’ and sharing with folks my love for that life. Regardless of a person’s background, I believe all Americans have a little cowboy spirit in them. The independence, the courage and the guts to do a job under tough conditions. I think this is the reason why people like western art.”
Awards:
George Phippen Memorial Art Show:
Best if show; 1st place medal; two second place medals; Phippen Family Award
Artist of the Year Southwest Artfest 1986
People’s Choice Award Southwest Art in the Wine Country
Source: Ask Art
Joe Beeler, CA Founding Member (1931-2006)
Artist: Mike McFarland (b.1947)
Description: Bronze (2006) | Dimensions: 3 ½” Diameter
Eddie Basha commissioned this medallion in 2006 following the passing of his brother, Joe Beeler. It was cast as a limited-edition series and shared with Joe’s immediate and CAA family and with other private collectors of his masterworks.
Labor Dispute
Artist: Mike McFarland (b.1947)
Description: Bronze | Dimensions: 11”h x 9”w x 7’d; Edition #15 of 16
Mike McFarland has firsthand knowledge of modern cowboy life because he has spent much of his time working as a cowboy. While recovering from an accident that occurred while he was roping horses, McFarland took up sculpting. His bronzes depict the life that he has lived and observed. “I have devoted my life to cowboyin’ and sharing with folks my love for that life. Regardless of a person’s background, I believe all Americans have a little cowboy spirit in them … the independence, the courage and guts to do a job under tough conditions. I think this is the reason why people like western art,” explained McFarland.
Grandpa's Buddy
Artist: Mike McFarland (b.1947)
Description: Bronze (1997) | Dimensions: 10”h x 9”w x 5”d; Edition #12 of 20
Drawing upon his years of experience as a working cowboy, Mike McFarland sculpts images that record the daily lives and work of modern ranch hands and their families. He shows a proud grandfather passing on those traditions to his number one hand, his grandson. The artist obviously knows both cow horses and cow hands and he has depicted each with matching detail and accuracy. The bronze has a rich brown patina for the horse and riders and a beautiful green one at the base for visual effect.
Protective Custody
Artist: Mike McFarland (b.1947)
Description: Bronze (1984) | 7”h x 7”w x 4”d; Edition #10 of 16
Cowboy Contentment
Artist: Mike McFarland (b.1947)
