Remington and Russell are familiar names in the Western Art world, but many of today’s artists continue to use the cattle industry as inspiration for their creative works. Rolling hills, wide open vistas, grazing cattle, and horses at work provide the perfect subjects for paintings, drawings and sculptures. 

Kentucky-based artist Jeremy Booth captures the industry in action through his contemporary illustrations. Booth describes his art as “western pop” because of his use of bold colors and crisp lines. His modern style captures the industry’s resilience and sense of adventure. 

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, partnered with Booth to bring the spirit of the cattle industry to new audiences. This unique project showcases the creative side of beef and highlights the time and care cattle producers take to bring a quality product to consumers.

“This is a new way to educate audiences we don’t normally reach,” said Dalton Lassiter, associate director of social media at NCBA. “There is an art to raising cattle and what better way to share the industry’s history and dedication than through art itself.”

Booth immersed himself in the western lifestyle by spending three days engaging with cowboys and ranch hands on the historic JA Ranch in the Texas panhandle. Experiencing ranch work firsthand, watching light dance across the landscape, and sharing meals with cowboys provided the perfect inspiration for Booth to create works of art. The paintings, including one entitled “Palo Duro Canyon,” epitomizes the beauty and heritage of the cattle industry.

“My time at JA Ranch is something I’ll never forget; it left a real impression on me,” said Booth. “I came back with the kind of inspiration that really sticks with you.”

While on the ranch, Booth learned about its history and how cattle producers care for their land and animals. The artist returned to his home studio and simplified his experiences into shapes, color and light in the artwork he created. The artwork, and the story behind it, is being shared on Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. social media.

“Every brush stroke is a way of honoring those cowboys, the landscape they live and work in and celebrating a way of life that deserves to be seen,” reflected Booth.