Biography | Western Artist Dustin Payne

Dustin Payne is known for his Western portrayal of history in bronze sculpture.  With his traditional style, he encapsulates the feeling and detail of the Western way of life.

Dustin 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.

You can find Dustin’s life-size monument honoring the history of the Texas Rangers, “The Legend, The Lore, The Law”, recently relocated to the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas, as well as life-size depictions of the infamous Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving in Pueblo, Colorado.

 In 2017 Dustin was inducted into the renowned Cowboy Artists of America, winning the gold medal for sculpture at the 2021 show, as well as the Ray Swanson Memorial Award for “Tales of the Trail”, silver for “Charles Autobees”, silver award for sculpture in 2023 for “Lone Star Legacy”, and the silver award again in 2024 for “What Man Can Conceive”. In 2022, True West Magazine named him Best Western Bronze Artist in their annual Best of the West Edition. That same year, his work was featured at The Sons of Charlie Russell Exhibition at the Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio. In 2025, during his first year participating in the Briscoe Night of Artists, he won the Museum Purchase Award with “What Man Can Conceive”. Also in 2025, he was recognized in the Best of Western Horseman Awards, winning Honorable Mention in the Culture-Artist category.

b. 1981

Resides: Cody, Wyoming USA

Artistic Specialization: Western sculpture in bronze/Monumental commission sculpture in bronze