SHARE:  
Join Our Email List
~ Vic Payne Studio News & Updates ~ 
August 5, 2016
     Hello from Vic Payne Studio!  Can you believe that it is August already...where did the summer go?  V ic wrapped up the Chris Kyle Monument for the city of Odessa, TX.  He was selected from several sculptors and was honored to have been entrusted to create a 1 1/2 life-size monument of Chris Kyle: The American Sniper.  I am so PROUD of my Cowboy!!! 
 
     He has been working tirelessly since early 2015 on this monumental sculpture.  Other works-in-progress were set aside as he became consumed in making sure Chris's parents, wife and kids were at peace with his efforts of capturing their son, husband and father's essence.  In late March, Chris's widow, Taya and their kiddos came to the Studio and Chris's parents, Wayne and Debi, came in late May.  After tears, stories and a few minuet changes, they all gave their wholehearted blessing to Vic.  Vic also incorporated messages of love that Chris's family carved into the sculpture's base...a testament of their love for all to see for generations to come.  

Metal Arts Foundry Employees: Brian Ivie and Roberto Valle and Vic burning the midnight oil.
     The next day Vic traveled to Metal Arts Foundry located in Lehi, UT to begin the lost wax casting process.  This process usually takes a foundry 3 or 4 months to produce.  Metal Arts Foundry pulled out all the stops, rolled up their sleeves and got to work; meeting the Odessa Chris Kyle Memorial Park Reveal and Dedication date of July 28, 2016.  Hats off to all the Metal Arts Foundry Employees who worked so hard on this project...you are simply the BEST!!! 
 
     You might have seen ABC and FOX's coverage online or on FB...wow the reception left us all speechless.  Our family is truly humbled by the entire experience.  The Odessa, TX committee created a beautiful 2,800 square foot memorial plaza laced with symbolism not only  honoring Chris Kyle but also paying tribute to all Veterans.   If you are ever in the area, please stop by and visit the Odessa Veterans Hospital where you'll find Chris gazing ahead looking towards the Veterans Hospital...even now caring for his brothers and sisters. 

     Vic is now turning his attention to newer works-in-progress as well as completing other precasts that have been waiting patiently for his returned creative attention.  We are happy to let everyone know that "Train Wreck" is at the foundry!!!  I should be receiving the casting schedule next week so either I or the gallery will be contacting you about when you should be receiving your bronze sculpture.  We would also like to sincerely thank you for your patience and understanding regarding any delays in receiving your bronze(s) during this time.  

     We hope to see you in Santa Fe for Indian Market August 19 -21 at Mountain Trails Fine Art, or at Mountain Trails Gallery during Jackson's Fall Arts Festival or at the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale here in Cody September 22 - 24, 2016.   Cheers! ~ Angie Payne



Chis Kyle Memorial Park ~ Veteran's Hospital Odessa, TX ~ July 28, 2016
"Train Wreck" 
Maquette - Limited Ed. 35, 27"H x 33"L x 12"D
         
Train Wreck - Study by Vic Payne (Latest precast)
    
     This precast is now at the foundry and is in the process of being cast in bronze. The patina will be like the larger Masterwork bronze. If you'd like to add this sculpture to your fine art collection before the price increases, I can be reached at (307) 527-9095.
 
     Vic created the "Train Wreck" - Masterwork in 2007 which has nearly sold out.  Several of Vic's collectors missed out on the larger size and asked Vic to create a smaller Maquette size...so here you go!  
 
     In this sculpture full of dynamic movement and detail, Vic captures a gripping moment of a cowboy's unexpected encounter with a mama grizzly bear and her cub. From the determination on his face to the terror reflected by the pack-horse, Vic leaves it up to your imagination how this "Train Wreck" might play out. Hopefully, this will be a fine tale told by this ole' cowboy along a warm campfire one day.

Vic studying the Shoshone Sheep Eater's petroglyphs in Dubois, WY.
The Tukudeka or Sheep Eaters also known as the Mountain Shoshone
 
     Vic has also started working on a two part series of the Shoshone Sheep Eaters that lived high in the Yellowstone and northern Rocky Mountains along the Idaho, Montana and Wyoming area. 
 
     The first sculpture that he is currently working on in his studio is a dynamic wildlife piece featuring two Bighorn sheep been chased down the side of a cliff by a mountain lion.  When you look closer at the mountain side you will see petroglyphs indigenous to these often overlooked and mysterious people. 
 
     The second sculpture will feature a Shoshone Sheep Eater hunter and his dog.  As they lived high in the mountains, they would not have used horses due to the perilous terrain their primary food source traversed.  The hunter will more than likely have a Bighorn ram bow on him.  While researching these spiritual and talented artisans, Vic learned that the powerful horn bows that they used were capable of shooting an arrow straight through a buffalo.  I'll keep you abreast when he starts this piece. 
 
     While Vic and I were in Dubois, WY, we met an amazing cowboy and artist by the name of Tom Lucas.  He makes bows rendered and straightened from Bighorn ram horns fashioning them as the Shoshone Sheep Eaters did in the 1800's...fascinating!  We also took a guided tour, thanks to Johanna @ the Dubois Museum, to see the Petroglyphs that the Mountain Shoshone left behind.  You'll be seeing some of the petroglyph designs on the first sculpture.
 
     I should have some images to show you in a week or so...so, stay tuned. 
 
If you'd like to view additional masterworks or works in progress of Vic's, please visit our website at 
Vic Payne Studio, Inc. | 307-527-9095 | VicPayneStudio@msn.com  
Like us on Facebook View our profile on LinkedIn Find us on Pinterest