PRESERVING THE AMERICAN WEST
THE PAYNE LEGACY
The Payne Legacy: Sculpting the Spirit and Stories of the American West in Bronze
The love for the Old West courses through the veins of the Payne family – a lineage steeped in rugged landscapes, tales of cowboys, Native Americans, and mountain men – all intertwined with the timeless artistry of bronze. Their artistic journey spans three generations, each leaving an indelible mark on Western art.
Ken Payne, the patriarch, embodied the spirit of the American West in bronze. His artistic journey was shaped by a love for ranch life, literature (including works by authors like Will James and Zane Grey), museum visits across the country, and the admiration for artist such as Charlie Russell and Frederic Remington. Ken’s passion for the West and his love of flying were passed down to his son, Vic, who, in turn, inspired these same passions to his own son, Dustin.
Ken Payne, who passed away on January 29, 2012, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Ken’s bronze sculptures captured the grit and untamed beauty of the American West. Vic Payne is a true steward of Western heritage. His commitment goes beyond mere artistry; it is a mission to preserve the stories and legends that time threatens to erase. A seasoned sculptor with over 45 years of experience, Vic has dedicated his life to capturing the essence of the American West in bronze. His meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and movement infuses each piece with authenticity building a bridge that connects the viewer to the West’s forgotten legends and stories. Vic’s work is collected worldwide and graces the halls of prestigious museums, including the Booth Western Art Museum, The Pearce Civil War & Western Museum and the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg, FL. His numerous awards attest to his unwavering commitment to preserving the West’s stories through art.
Dustin Payne, the third generation, carries forward the torch of tradition. Inducted into the renowned Cowboy Artists of America in 2017, he upholds the organization’s values as one of its newest members. Notably, Dustin won the Gold Medal for Sculpture for “Charles Autobees” at the 2021 CA show, along with the Ray Swanson Memorial Award for “Tales of the Trail.” In 2022, Dustin’s work was shown at The Sons of Charlie Russell Exhibition at the Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio.
The Payne’s sculptures continue to inspire, bridging the gap between the past and present. Through their art, they pay tribute to a time when tales of the West were still being made. Whether sculpting Western scenes, Native American figures, mountain men, or wildlife, the Paynes lead their viewers on an emotional journey.
THE PAYNE LEGACY
KEN PAYNE
Ken Payne (1938-2012), born to the ranching heritage of the Southwest, brings the exciting memories of the Old West to life in his historic bronze sculpture depicting the action, the danger, even the humor of many a frontier situation.
Ken Payne’s bronzes have been collected both nationally and internationally. He had been in the forefront of the bronze movement in modern times by pioneering the idea of sculpting in public and by being nationally televised in the “Sculpting with Ken Payne” PBS program.
THE PAYNE LEGACY
VIC PAYNE
Noted western sculptor and artist, Vic Payne has been sculpting for over 45 years, his work can be found in private, corporate, municipal and museum collections in the United States and abroad. Whether he is creating Wildlife, Native American or Western sculpture his passion is to portray the spirit of the American West and evoke the pioneering, independent, mystical spirit of the land and its people.
THE PAYNE LEGACY
DUSTIN PAYNE
Dustin Payne represents the third generation of professional western sculptors in his family, so it comes as no surprise that the trade was a natural path for him. As a child, Dustin enjoyed the drawings and books of Will James and was heavily influenced by the historical nature of his father and grandfather’s work. He enjoys researching the history of the subjects he creates and is greatly inspired by his family’s western roots.
On October 12, 2017, Dustin was awarded the honor to become the newest member of the Cowboy Artists of America.
