In the ever growing field of western art, it is product quality, tenure of study and talent that not only marvels the audience but preserves historic and increasing values for his art which is focused on in every step of his art making process!

R C Jones is a  western artist who works in oils. He and his family live on the high plains of Southwestern Wyoming  in the old mining town of Rock Springs. RC's love of art stems from early childhood drawing cartoons as early as 5 years old. His philosophy about his work is to move the viewer with character expression, light and mood while capturing the time and place graced by Gods touch. 

 RC's studies and discipline span throughout the west and southwestern cultures so his works vary from majestic settings, scenic vistas, historic places, depiction of the old west and those of its heritage. He is from the old school of art, that is to say, miles on the brush and fellowships with other leading and modern masters of western art.

RC's begins each piece after research and study of the subject and then the composition is developed. His preference of foundation is stretched Belgium linen and once satisfied with the design arrangement it is applied to the fabric as a sketch before the painting begins.  RCs' paintings are created with the finest oils and materials available and once the painting is complete  the image is finished with a special UV protection varnish. Each painting is then mounted in very select or custom made frames that are produced especially for RC.

Since childhood and perhaps that haunting intro-"Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear" or maybe it was the likes of Dale & Roy, RC always had the dream to be a fine artist and paint westerns in oils. Since high school he sold most every piece he did and friends and family were always pushing him to give it a try professionally. Although it was a rough time getting started, his first "professional" works sold in the western art market in 1987 in Jackson Hole Wyoming. He soon expanded to Scottsdale, Prescott and Sedona Arizona; New Mexico, Texas and Colorado came later.   RCs' labor of love continues to delight collectors and an ever growing audience across this nation and over a dozen countries. His talents have secured numerous top honors including Best of Show and People's Choice awards in a multitude of competitions and prestigious Western Art Shows and Quick Draws.

Still can't find that special piece you're looking for? To see more of RC's works you can also view a wonderful selection of his works at  West Lives On Gallery in Jackson Hole Wyoming.

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More about the artist:  "Mom's Lemonade-Stand"

Seldom without pencil, crayons or paints.  RC spent his childhood drawing and painting cartoon characters and making funnies.  At the early age of five years old he had mastered Pixi & Dixie, Rough & Ready, the Flintstones characters and a slue of others in oils on tee shirts.  As the years passed he began selling them to the neighbor kids.  RC says being raised by a single parent, we didn't have allot of things but we did have allot of love and hope.  I recall very well from my early years on; "Mom always took the stand that if all you're dealt are lemons, you'd better be selling lemonade!"  "Well drawing and cartooning was all there was back then, so I sold allot of that lemonade!"   RC still enjoys cartooning and keeps that sense of humor capturing the moment of facial expression in many of his paintings this day!

 In 1971 although fascinated with Dali and surrealistic art RC thrived for the westerns and graduated from high school with honors as The Most Promised Art Student. Soon after graduation, at 19 years old, while taking a four year Sheet Metal Apprenticeship and being married with children; he began moon-lighting to make some extra money painting cars and motorcycles in the evenings after his real job. In 1975 he completed his craft training and became a highly skilled Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker by day, Body-Man by night!  But throughout 1971-1977 era he wasn't just painting vehicles at night, he was doing superb graphics and custom design work with his air brush working on race cars and show bikes.  From 1977-1985 those artistic cravings and interests grew into the commercial arts and design and he and wife Linda, who was working as a printer and graphic layout artist at the time, started their own business in 1977, Jones Art Distributors and begain working into the fine arts. By 1987 he was working on his oil paintings exclusivley.

From 2006-2007 out growing his 9' x 12' studio, RC designed and built the West of Center Studio and Gifts building, an art gallery of original art and select gifts, which is a work of art in its' self. It's design represents the 1800's era which is a period and time that he loves to paint.