Though born in 1954, Jack Sorenson grew up living the Old West lifestyle that he now depicts in his work. Coming of age living and working at Six Gun City, a dude ranch and frontier town in the style of the Old West situated on the rim of the Palo Duro Canyon and owned by his father, Sorenson was deeply embedded with a love for the stories and imagery that characterized the Old West, and which continues to motivate him to this day.
Whereas other teenagers spent their adolescence working in retail or fast food, Sorenson worked as a stagecoach driver, a performance gunfighter, and a horse trainer. A naturally gifted artist since childhood, Sorenson began painting full-time in 1974. After his first one-man show sold out that same year, Sorenson committed himself to a career in art and never looked back.
Jack Sorenson’s work has been featured on the covers of more than five dozen western magazines, including Western Horseman, Beef, The Cattleman, The Quarter Horse Journal, and Today’s Horse, and feature articles on his work have been published in Southwest Art, Persimmon Hill, Western Horseman and Western Art Collector, among many others. In 1996, Sorenson ‘s work was picked up by Leanin’ Tree Greeting Card Company and he is today one of their best selling artists. In addition, his paintings have been licensed for prints, jig-saw puzzles, and wall hangings.
Recognizing the warm and homespun nature of Sorenson’s work, Harvest House Publishing has released two books featuring Sorenson’s paintings, Everything I Know I Learned From My Grandpa in 2006, and Growing Up Cowboy in 2008. In July of 2009, the Texas Legislature passed a resolution to honor Sorenson “for his professional achievements and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness.”
Today, Sorenson has been immortalized in the same Palo Duro Canyon that was so inspirational to him and instrumental in his development as an artist, by naming in his honor a peak frequently depicted in his artwork- Sorenson Point.
Sorenson’s sense of humor is often evident in his paintings of children, cowboys, and horses. He sees himself as a story-teller. “I think great paintings should tell a story, should involve the viewer. So much of Western Art today depicts a cowboy or Indian riding across a landscape. I think we as Western Artists have the opportunity to do so much more.”
Four decades into his career, the artist believes God has blessed him beyond measure. “I’m in exactly the right spot at exactly the right time, and I’m doing exactly what God wants me to do. You can’t ask for more than that.”
Sorenson’s original artwork is available through Joe Wade Fine Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
ARTIST . HUSBAND . FATHER . GRANDFATHER
-Jack Sorenson
“Figurin’” - Although the sun is barely up, this cowboy has been in the saddle for a while checking his cattle. I rarely do cowboys this close up, but I thought I could tell his story simply by focusing on the fact that he is twisted in the saddle and staring a long way off. - Jack
"Distant Gunfire" - Hot off the easel! The Old West was a dangerous place to be. Many of the strangers one encountered were armed. Most were friendly, but occasionally one would be up to no good. This night rider and his horse have heard gunfire in the distance. Does it mean danger, or is someone merely shooting supper?
"Still Waters" I don't often do vignette paintings (with no background) but I thought the cowboy's reflection would have more impact if there weren't other reflections competing with it. I enjoy doing reflections, but since I use no medium in my paints,the water has to be done in one sitting, otherwise it won't smear together very well.
Painting by Artist Jack Sorenson
Painting by Artist Jack Sorenson
Painting by Artist Jack Sorenson
Painting by Artist Jack Sorenson
Painting by Artist Jack Sorenson
Painting by Artist Jack Sorenson
Painting by Artist Jack Sorenson
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