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Claire Lucke

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www.EllensburgCowboyGathering.com

 

Fred Oldfield selected as poster artist for 2011 Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering

Artist will sign posters at the 38th Annual Ellensburg National Art Show & Auction May 21 – 23, 2010

 

May 17, 2010

Ellensburg, Washington -

 

It was unanimous.  The painting entitled, “Camp at Rattlesnake Ridge” by iconic painter of the American West, Fred Oldfield, was chosen for the 2011 Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering Poster from an array of art submitted for the upcoming National Art Show & Auction held in Ellensburg May 21 – 23, 2010.   Chosen as a finalist from a selection of slides, once the original oil was viewed by a mixed group of Advisory Board and Event Committee members, the decision was clear.  

Acknowledged as one of the premier painters of the American West, Fred Oldfield’s evocative western paintings have become his trademark.  Born in 1918, this Washington native grew up on the Yakima Indian Reservation near Toppenish.  He worked as a cowhand and remembers nights so cold you could not sleep.  These are the experiences that would later appear in his paintings. 

Today, collectors of Oldfield art can be found around the world.  This active 92 year old paints daily.  Within the Northwest, he has raised thousands of dollars for community projects with his paintings.   The Fred Oldfield Western Heritage & Art Center located in Puyallup, Washington, offers classes for youth and adults in the art of painting.  Fred has recently released a teaching video called “Paint Like a Cowboy” in which he shares some of his secrets of palette knife painting.  He loves to tell of the days on the range and around the campfire and shares the American dream, which came true for him.  Fred Oldfield is one of a dying breed.   He personifies the cowboy whose handshake is all the contract he’ll ever need.

Fred Oldfield will be on hand during the 3-day event in Ellensburg to sign copies of the 2011 Spirit of the West Poster.  Look for him at the Kittitas Valley Event Center at the Fairgrounds in Ellensburg, Washington.   You may go online to see his and the work of a wide array of artists at www.WesternArtAssociation.org.