RENO, Nev. (April 28, 2016) – The “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West” selected Jeff Gant to design this year’s official Reno Rodeo limited edition poster. Gant, in collaboration with Rodeo President Scott Peterson, created a piece, titled “All Roads Lead to Reno” that includes Jason Goodman’s Percheron Thunder and Miss Reno Rodeo 2016, Eva Werschky.
Gant recalls when Peterson asked if he’d be interested in doing the artwork. “Without hesitation, I accepted the challenge and was very excited to contribute to such a great organization,” said Gant. “I can’t say enough good things about everyone involved with the Reno Rodeo and am in awe of their dedication to contribute to the Reno community. I hope to be a part of the Reno Rodeo for many years to come!”
Using reference photos of Werschky, Goodman and his team of Percherons, Gant began to draw out the scene. “I had originally tried to paint in the sagebrush that was in the reference photo, but I had a hard time dulling it down enough so that it wasn’t competing for attention with the horses and wagon,” explained Gant. “I finally settled on more grass instead and it worked out beautifully.”
While working full-time as a high school biology teacher, Gant wakes up as early as 3 a.m. each morning to drink a cup or two of coffee and get as much painting done as possible before heading to school. Mostly self-taught, Gant captures authentic cowboys, horses and cattle while always looking for interesting color and lighting.
Every year since 1981 the Reno Rodeo president has selected an artist to collaborate with and create a limited edition print. The 250 signed and numbered prints are on sale now for $50 through the Reno Rodeo office.
“I really can’t get over how well the poster turned out and I may be a little biased, but think it turned out to be a good piece of art that will look good in any setting,” said Gant.
Gant and his wife Roben and their two children, Katie and Beau, live on Roben’s family ranch outside of San Marcos, Texas, where they see inspirations for paintings daily.
For more information about the artist Jeff Gant visit www.JeffGantArt.com and for information about the 97thAnnual Reno Rodeo visit www.renorodeo.com. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Lawlor Events Center box office. For ticket information only, call 775-784-4444. To order tickets by phone, call 800-325-7328.
# # #
About the Reno Rodeo
The Reno Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) sanctioned sporting event, and one of the top five rodeos in North America. Reno Rodeo is a non-profit organization made up of over 500 volunteers. The 97th Annual Reno Rodeo is scheduled for June 16-25, 2016. Competition includes bareback, team roping, saddle bronc, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, women’s barrel racing and bull riding. Like Reno Rodeo on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or for more information on the Reno Rodeo, visit www.renorodeo.com.
