Dustin Payne was born into a rodeo and ranching family in southern New Mexico in 1981. Growing up as a third-generation sculptor in his family, he began learning the trade at an early age. Endless inspiration came out of studying the great works of Remington and Russell, and he was influenced by the books and drawings of Will James.
Being close to his family’s ranch, as a young man he experienced first-hand the traditions of the Western way of life. Here Dustin came to know the skills of roping, riding, and working with cattle. The strength and character of the old cowboys and ranchers created inspiration for him to carry on the spirit, respect, and tradition of their way of life through his art. Dustin began expressing his deep love for the history and culture of the American West through his own artwork. He later headed north and settled in Wyoming, enjoying the open vastness of the Northern mountains, visiting the nearby Buffalo Bill Center of the West for inspiration, and fulfilling his ambition with memorable stories of the western characters in his sculptures.
“If I can give something back, to document the culture I come from, to convey the experience of the Western spirit through my artwork, then that is what I want to do. I feel fortunate I have always been surrounded by such great artists and mentors, but more so by being brought up around horses and ranching. I believe this exciting and beautiful era should be preserved for future generations and I’m honored to capture it in bronze.”
Dustin’s work can be found in fine art galleries across the West, as well as in the permanent collections of the Pearce Museum, the Raymond James Financial Art Collection, and the Former Texas Rangers Heritage Center. Dustin has been featured in numerous publications including Southwest Art, Western Art Collector, Fine Art Connoisseur, and Western Horseman, and was a featured artist-in-residence at the 2017 Western American Sculpture Symposium at the Whitney Western Art Museum in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
In 2017, he earned an invitation to be inducted into the renowned Cowboy Artists of America and is planning to pay tribute to the time-honored organization’s values, moving forward in his career as one of their newest members.
Dustin resides near Cody, Wyoming with his wife Tammy and their sons, Dillon and Brody.
CAA Member since 2017
Born: October 28, 1981
Education: Self-taught
Contact: Website
Dustin Payne Studio, Inc. | Western Art in Bronze
2039 Lane 10
Powell, WY 82435
307-527-0828