Who is Brandon Bailey?

Brandon James Bailey was born on September 19, 1984 in Cheyenne Wyoming. Wildlife art has always come naturally to Brandon, as he has been fascinated by both art and the outdoors for as long as he can remember. He began taking art classes in junior high and it was there that he sold his first drawing for twenty dollars.

During his teens, the Game and Fish Department of Wyoming gave Brandon his first commission. Although only 16 years old, he was commissioned to create cover sketches for all State of Wyoming Hunting Regulation Pamphlets. The Game and Fish has since commissioned Brandon to do many other projects, including numerous benefit and auction items.

Brandon has won many awards in art shows across the country and has participated in shows where he has raised thousands of dollars through art donations for the Wyoming Wildlife Heritage Expo, The Moose Foundation, The Elk Foundation, The Sheep Federation and Safari Club International. It is at these shows that Brandon has met successful artists who have inspired him as well as given him artistic input and advice.

As a member of the Ottawa/Chippewa tribe, Brandon credits his Native American roots for fostering a genuine reverence for nature. Much of his childhood was spent hunting in the woods with his father and grandfather, who taught him to always respect and care for the wild. Accordingly, Brandon is an avid hunter and fishermen, who has hunted and fished all over the country.

In 2006, he was able to hunt in South Africa on safari. Since then, African wildlife has become an increasingly-important subject in his works. "Going and living something makes it much more enjoyable to paint and draw that subject. It gives me that passion that I feel is the most important part to a piece of artwork. Seeing the animals and how they react in their natural environment is key in creating an interesting scene that is true to that animal and their environment," states Brandon.

Growing up in Wyoming, it is only fitting that Brandon has an intense interest in western culture. His fascination with rodeo and the old west began during his childhood and has continued throughout his life. From 2004 to 2006, he rode bulls competitively and rode for the Laramie County Community College rodeo team, as well as in the practice pen for fun. Rodeo has also found itself into Brandon`s art, as he has been commissioned to create artwork for various Wyoming rodeo companies. If asked about the dangers of bull riding Brandon jokes, "I figured if I can ride a two-thousand pound wild farm animal, there is nothing I can`t at least try to overcome."

When not outdoors, riding bulls or creating artwork, Brandon can be found at home enjoying time with his parents Kathy and Yogi, his brother Cody, and his two dogs Angel and Ringo. He credits his family with helping him along in his art career. His father has spent countless hours traveling and helping him with shows and basically anything else that has to do with art.

Brandon will be headed back to South Africa over various summers where he has been commissioned by the Shingani Safari Company to create artwork for the company and its safari clients. Brandon's most recent achievements inlcude being invited to participate in the Frontier Days Art Show and Sale that will be held the last two weeks of July of 2010. Earlier this year Brandon also received the prestigious honor of being named the North Amercian Moose Foundation's premier artist. Brandon currently exhibits his work in Mountain Trails Gallery in Cody, Wyoming and Deselms Fine Art in Cheyenne, Wyoming.