Gary Carter, CAA Western Artist

Gary Carter, a 1971 graduate of the Art Center College of Design, was fortunate to study under exceptional instructors who inspired him to focus on painting the American West. During his early career, he formed lasting friendships with fellow artists Joe Henninger, Don Putman, and Reynold Brown.

After a brief period as an illustrator, Gary was given the opportunity for a solo exhibition in Tucson, Arizona, which sold out and marked the beginning of his fine art journey. While in Tucson, he was invited to become the resident artist at Sun Ranch in the Madison Valley of southwest Montana. The ranch even converted a bunkhouse into a studio for him. Along with his Australian Shepherd, Patches, and his “trick” cow horse, Amos Moses, Gary settled into his new home. This experience greatly shaped his understanding of cowboy culture and allowed him to refine his sense of cowboy humor.

Gary’s hobbies are varied, ranging from hotrods and fly-fishing to trains, Bear Tooth pack trips, and collecting historic artifacts, books, and firearms. He’s also passionate about ranch work and painting for the Cowboy Artists of America (CA Show). His playful spirit has led some to say he’s having too much fun!

On June 25, 1991, Gary was adopted into the Crow Nation as a member of the Real Bird family and the Big Lodge Clan. He actively participated in the Custer Battle re-enactments held at the Real Bird Ranch on the Little Big Horn River near Garryowen, Montana.

In 1982, Gary was inducted into the Cowboy Artists of America and later served as the organization’s president in 1986. He now resides with his wife, Marlys, in the serene isolation between Yellowstone National Park and the Madison River ranches, where he continues to push the boundaries of his creative ideas and maintain his status as a “predicament” artist.

• CAA Member since 1982
• Born: March 12, 1939
• Education: Art Center College of Design